Need help with converting tiff to autocad files.

[ky2010]

Hello everyone. I am new here so I don't know if this topic has been discussed, but I was wondering if anyone knew of a process or program that could convert tiff files into autocad files. I am converting wiring diagrams into autocad. I can copy the drawings making them tiff files, but I still need to be able to put them into autocad. I have a program at work which I forgot the name of. I will have to add it to the post to see if anyone has used it. I was told that it would do the job with lots of flaws. The text would not be converted and many of the lines would not connect.

I just wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions. This would make my job a lot easier. If you have any suggestions at all please post them. I am new to the field (actually an intern) and any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[debodine]

We do not "convert" the TIFF files into AutoCad, but we DO import them using the Image Manager. FYI, AutoCad LT will not do this, only the full version...at least at AutoCad 2000 which is what we use.

The upside is that it is very fast to do. The downside is that the TIFF file does not become part of the AutoCad file, but is only referenced (when we "import" the TIFF file, we are actually just referencing it). Therefore the TIFF file must remain in a location where the AutoCad file can find it when opened. So we archive the TIFF files in the same folder where we archive the AutoCad drawing that uses the TIFF files.

Once the TIFF file is referenced into the AutoCad file as an image, you can scale, move, draw on top of, etc., the image.

We often use TIFF files of an aircraft wiring harness installation in an AutoCad drawing, and then draw on top of the TIFF file our new harnesses and any accompanying notes and identifiers that belong to the new harnesses.

So bottom line, AutoCad Image Manager is one option for you.

 

[paddymac]

I use Acme Traceart for doing that work. It's not perfect but it has its uses for complicated drawings/sketches I couldn't be bothered to redraw.

 

[ky2010]

The name of the program my company has is RasterX. Not sure if it is any good but it is what we have to used.

 

[borgunit]

Autodesk has their own also called Raster Design I believe. I used it when it was called something else a few years back. It worked ok then, and I am guessing they all have similar functions.

"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." — Will Rogers

 

[buzzp]

I tried RasterX and it seems you end up redrawing pretty much the whole thing anyway. I have not seen a conversion program that does a good enough job not to require significant touch-up work.

Debodine has the best solution in my opinion and is exactly how we handle such dwgs.

If someone could make such a program work well they would have many people standing in line to purchase it. Think of all the old hand drawings which could be scanned and converted to dwgs without much touch-up. I have seen quotes for conversion as high as $10 million US for 4000 drawings. Obviously all labor and obviously way over priced.

 

[Exxit]

Hi,

here are some links:

http://www.autocadeverything.com/phpBB/ftopic411.php

I used Wintopo. It's ok for free...

Lothar

ADT 2004
ACAD 2002