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Raster Editing / Raster Markup / Using Kodak
Imaging
Raster Editing:
What Is Raster
Editing?
What Is Vector Editing?
Can I Put My Raster Images Into A CAD Program?
Cost Comparison Between Raster Conversion And Vector Conversion
Compare The Cost Of Raster Editing Programs
Should I force My Vendors To Use Raster Editing Tools?
Should I Use My Own Raster Editing Program?
Should I supply A Raster Editing Program To My Vendors?
How Much Training Is There In Using Raster Editing Programs?
Raster Markup:
Raster editing is a simple process of changing an existing scanned original document using a computer program developed for this specific purpose.
Raster files may be created when you scan a paper document and save it, or they can be created using < a save as > command from a standard CAD drafting program.
The primary advantage of using raster files is that they are very easy to create and very easy to view and distribute. This is particularly noted when using the standard FAX machine. This technology is where the raster standards came from.
Scan a paper document to create the raster format
Send the digital raster file over the phone lines
Print the raster file back to paper at the receiving station
It should be understood that raster images are considered, in the drafting community, as dumb files. This description simply means that they are only a picture of a document and have no relationship to a CAD type vector document that has a text file that creates the drawing using line type, layers, line styles font types and a host of other information that will create the CAD file for display and plotting out to paper for distribution and storage.
To change or edit the raster image you must use specific software process called RASTER EDITING software. It will allow the user the ability to erase sections from the raster image much as you would erase on an original paper document. It then allows the user to draw lines, arcs, circles and text onto the raster image. When the user has completed the editing process he may simply save the file as a new release of the original and plot it as he would any other file.
What Is Vector
Editing?
Vector editing is performed using a
computer program called CAD (Computer Aided Drafting). Easily one of the most
common CAD programs is a product called Auto-Cad. It is by far the most often
used CAD program both in the Architectural and Engineering communities. Vector
files are called intelligent files because they have all sorts of entity
descriptions for every line, arc, circle, symbol, text and layer that will ultimately
create the CAD file.
The good news is that it is very easy to change a vector
based CAD file. You may use tools such as < cut & paste >, < layer
copy >, < symbol insert > and a host of other short cut features. The
bad news is that all CAD programs come from the manufacture empty, blank with no
data loaded. That means that any document that is to be modified must be
entirely entered into the CAD program before these editing advantages become
available. In addition the learning curve on using a CAD program easily may
range from many months to several years.
The creation of NEW DESIGN is best done using CAD vector
programs because the advantages for making changes are beyond compare to any
other process. However when making simple changes to legacy paper documents the added
cost of putting these existing documents into a vector CAD program just
for changes is Economically
Unacceptable. (See the cost comparison section.)
Can I Put My Raster Images Into A CAD Program?
There are software
manufactures that offer what is called (Raster To Vector) conversion.. The
promise of these presentations is that you scan your legacy paper documents and
the software will take the raster pixel data and somehow convert these raster
dots into lines, arcs, circles and text that are suitable for a CAD operator to
use in his CAD program. What you will find however is that any CAD operator
instantly recognizes that these vector conversion programs generate unusable
entities with no proper design principles or standards. The reality is that no
conversion program will ever create the type of file that the CAD operator
requires. This is a flawed concept from the beginning. The best any raster to
vector conversion program may achieve is to make the vector data look like the
raster data.
This is much easier and far more cost effective an effort
using a raster editor from the onset.
Cost Comparison Between Raster Conversion And Vector Conversion:
The definition of editing in this context is the ability to
change an existing electronic file whether it is a raster or vector based
document. We will use a typical 30"x42" Architectural style document
for input comparisons.
In an effort to make such a comparison the process of
creating the file in the first place is a major consideration. In the case of a
raster file it is a simple process of scanning the original document. This
usually takes less that a minute and the cost is about $2.00. In the case of a
vector file the creation of the original file frequently takes 10 to 12 hours
subject to the complexity of the document. Using a conservative labor rate of
$35.00 per hour we easily see that this creation is $350.00 as compared to $2.00
for the raster.
Small file room cost for conversion comparison...
1000 documents vector converted @ $ 350.00 = $350,000.00
1000 documents
scanned @ $2.00 per document = $ 2,000.00
=============
Cost comparison difference = $248,000.00
Significant Raster Conversion Advantage.
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Compare The Cost Of Raster Editing Programs
We will only compare the cost of using an existing
CAD program such as (Auto-Cad including raster editing add on software)
with a stand alone raster editor such as the LegacyFiles raster editor.
The LegacyFiles raster editor
is designed specifically to edit raster scanned images. The tool set is designed
for rapid document modification using industry standard raster formats. It is
very easy to use and does not require typical CAD operator training. Its selling
price is less than $ 1,000.00.
Typical CAD add on programs force the user to use the CAD
program for document modification. That means that you not only need the
original CAD software but you also need the CAD operator skills to modify the
raster document. Auto-Cad plus the raster edit suite of software they offer to
use inside Auto-Cad sells at about $ 10,000.00.
Compare...
Auto-Cad & Raster Edit Add on = $ 10,000.00
+ (CAD operator training)
Legacy File Raster Editor = $ 1,000.00
===========
Legacy Raster Edit Advantage = $ 9,000.00
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Should I force My Vendors To Use Raster Editing Tools?
Well force may be too strong
of a recommendation but consider that the more efficient your vendor becomes the
less it will cost you. Remember the fact that your vendor wanting to convert
your paper documents to vector based files is more an advantage to him than it
is to you. New design is a different issue but modest design changes to existing
documentation is easily and far more cost effective using raster.
All computer operations should be looked at as using the best
tool for the job at hand. We all need to utilize our resources to the most
efficient levels as we can. If your present vendor says no then maybe you should
look for a new vendor.
Should I Use My Own Raster Editing Program?
Many document changes may be performed
without contracting an outside vendor at all. Remember that this is not a CAD
design requirement. These raster tools are as easy to use as paper and pencil.
Contract with your vendors to do what they do best, new
design and major changes. Remember that they are a very expensive resource to
provide simple modest changes to your documents, especially ones that you may
easily perform using simple raster tools.
Should I supply A Raster Editing Program To My Vendors?
LegacyFiles thinks this may be a great idea, especially
when you supply our editor. Think about the advantages that you have if you
indeed supply one of our editors to your vendor...
They can't tell you that they have to invest another $ 10,000.00 to provide this service.
They can't tell you that they need to invest $ 5,000.00 in operator training to offer this service.
You know the program features, benefits and ease of use.
You will have a better understanding of what the editing process really is and if the vendor charges are in line with the scope of work contracted for.
You own the software and may send it to another vendor.
You establish a greater position of authority with your vendor. You ensure that they know you have more cost effective tools available for the editing projects at hand.
How Much Training Is There In Using Raster Editing Programs?
Raster editing tools such as the
LegacyFiles Raster editing program is just about as simple as it gets. That
can't be said for all raster editing programs though. Some require CAD program
training prior to the raster image editing functionality.
Using LegacyFiles raster...
The image is loaded just as you would load any file. It is immediately ready for editing. No conversions.
The erase function is just like using an eraser on a paper document
The tool set is lines, arcs, circles, and text. Just like the basic drafting tools.
Some additional tools like the grid or symbol loading might take a few minutes to learn.
Save and print the file. That's it.
How Do I Get The Annotation Tool Bar To Display?
Pick < View > from the menu.
Pick Toolbars from the drop down menu.
Pick annotation from the tool bar selection check boxes
What Is
Raster Markup?
Raster markup is simply adding annotations to the
raster image file. The annotations may remain temporary or you may choose to
make them a permanent part of the image. You may use a highlight pen that is
yellow and transparent to make it easy for an associate to see a particular area
of the document.
This is not the same as Raster Editing until you make the
markup entities permanent. The markups may be edited and or deleted without
affecting the original document.
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What
Tool Is Best To Use For Raster Markups?
All Microsoft versions of Windows, except Windows XP, comes with a free
program called Kodak Imaging. This program is easy to use and may be purchased
for use on the XP platform for just a few hundred dollars. Any raster tiff type
file may be viewed and annotated using this product.
There are several commercial Raster Markup programs available
as well. Just do a search on Google for raster editing software for a list of
these vendors and their brand of editing software.
These editors are typically priced from $1000.00 to
$5000.00. This might seem rather expensive until you compare them with
vector based CAD editing products such as Auto-CAD. The training curve for
raster editing is minimal, usually only a couple of days, as compared to several
months or even years it may take a typical CAD operator.
How Can I Highlight An Image Area Using Kodak Imaging Software?
You must first load an image from the File drop down menu.
Pick Annotations.
Pick the desired entity from the drop down list.
Position the mouse where you wish to place the markup.
Left click the mouse and draw the markup.
Pick < Save > from the < File > drop down menu.
How May I Change The Entity Properties? (Color, Line Width, Etc)
How Can I Draw Or Sketch On An Image Using Kodak Imaging Software?
How May I Add Text To My Image?
On the Annotation menu, click Select Annotation.
To specify default annotation tool properties, such as line width, color, or font characteristics, right-click the button on the Annotation toolbar, and then click Properties.
To edit the existing text properties left mouse click the text box to select the box. Right mouse click to edit the text box properties. Select the property you wish to change.
How May I Move The Entities That I Create?
On the Annotation menu, click Select Annotation.
Right mouse click the entity to select it.
Pick the entity with the left mouse button and draw the entity to the desired location.
How May I Delete Unwanted Markups?
On the Annotation menu, click Select Annotation.
Right click the entity to select it.
Left mouse click the clear option key word in the listing.
May I Save The Image Including The Markups Without Making The Markups Permanent?
All annotations will be saved with the image.
Don't select the < Make Annotations Permanent > option and you will be able to edit or delete the annotations at a later time.
Just pick < SAVE > from the < File > drop down menu.
How May I Make The Markups Permanent?
Select Annotations from the main menu.
Select Make Annotations Permanent.
Pick < Save > from the < File > drop down menu.
May I Edit A Raster Image Using Kodak Imaging Software?
Great news for non-CAD users. You may erase any section of a raster image simply by selecting the color white for the filled rectangle property. You simply draw a box around the areas that you wish to erase and then make the annotations permanent. Use the freehand draw option to erase detailed areas as small as a period at the end of a sentence.
Plot out the modified file and simply use your standard tools to redraw the new edited version of your document. Scan it back into your system for permanent electronic storage and distribution.
If you don't have a plotter or scanner just call your local Repographic service company. They are always looking for new business. Your total cost should be less than $10.00. NOW THAT IS COST EFFECTIVE IMAGE MODIFICATION. Compare that to a CAD conversion process to vector that frequently costs from $350.00 to $1000.00 per document.