raster imaging

[marmon]

in my field i constantly scan parts or trace outlines from images in autocad, i import them as a raster image, then simply draw lines and arcs, before creating a dxf, for a NC burning table. My question is what exactly is a raster image?? why is it not just an image, also this seems to be a pretty crude way of doing things. Does anyone have an outlining program, which actually works, I tried one that left more gaps and overlaps than a pencil tracing.??
thanks for the help

 

[IFRs]

Search for "raster to vector" in Google. There are lots of hits. This will convert a raster image to Autocad vectors.

 

[PeterCharles]

Look for Scan2CAD, it's supposed to be quite good and reasonably priced.

 

[wp483]

AbleVector may help you.

http://www.cadeast.com

 

[ruffneck]

Try VPstudio of softelec. This program vectorizes within AutoCAD. See

http://www.softelec.com

 

[CADSTUDENT]

Hello Marmon;

A raster image or file is a picture or drawing stored in pixial format. ACAD is a graphicial database that stores its files in vector format. Vector files are more math oriented than rastor. There are several programs posted that will convert rastor files into vector files that ACAD can import into.

Hope this helps,
John