We do whatever it takes to make perfect maps. Migration of unstructured DTP maps into GIS
What are DTP Maps? 1. Adobe Illustrator (.AI) 2. Macromedia Freehand (.FH) (not anymore supported) 3. CorelDraw (.CDR) generally PDF-files (.PDF)
Advantages of von DTP maps. 1. Large scope of drawing and editing functions 2. Flexible layer structure 3. Layout possibilities for the whole map (map title, legend and images) 4. Low cost compared to GIS
Why should DTP maps migrated? 1. Geo-referencing; 2. Unstructured map set up; 3. Distortion; 4. Cartographic tools; 5. Database connection.
1 Geo-referencing. DTP-software offers hardly possibilities to work with a reference to a coordinate system, to complete maps with other geodata (SHP, DXF, GPX or OpenStreetMap); embed WMS/FMS-Server, Google Maps/Earth or BingMaps, import GPS tracks.
2 Unstructured Map Set Up. Map objects are easily shifted from one layer into another in order to achieve better graphic representation: - Bridges, centerline of highways - Text stored in strange layer, -Trash layer;
2 2 Unstructured Map Set Up.
2 Unstructured Map Set Up.
2 Unstructured Map Set Up. Three lines are needed to represent a highway. Editing is very time consuming. triple line single line one street axe
2 Unstructured Map Set Up.
2 Unstructured Map Set Up. Point objects are represented as area objects Editing is very time consuming. area point symbol real point symbol center of bounding box center of symbol
3 Distortion. Export and import between different maps or map tiles extending over several years. distortion within the map. Distortion of background maps or scanned map drafts. poor vectorization.
4 Cartographic Tools. Trace existing lines (without sliver polygons) Automatic sparing of intersection Influencing dotted or dashed lines
5 Database connection. No database connection is foreseen in DTP software by default; Additional information above map objects are helpful (e.g. date of capturing, editor, URL).
Solution I. 1. Definition of set of symbol with OCAD; 2. Import of PDF-file towards OCAD; 3. Geo-referencing; 4. Rubber Sheeting; 5. Conversion of PDF-image objects into OCAD objects, manually or automatically;
Solution II. 6. Changing area point objects into «real» point objects; 7. Eliminate redundant objects; 8. Connect database; 9. Export in into GIS (SHP or DXF).
Live-Demo.
Problems. 1. Poorly drawn maps are difficult to convert! Nevertheless, the process to convert maps into another system helps to improve maps towards a well structured map set up. 2. Text: Conversion von FH to AI can break up words into single letters.
Conclusion I. 1. Geo-referencing Opens a huge variety to complete or improve your map with other geodata (e.g. GPX data). - Define coordinate reference system - Eliminate distortion (Rubber Sheeting) Existing maps can be continued to use, no restart!
Conclusion II 2. The map gets a much better structured set up for a posterior use in another software (e.g. GIS) - Area point symbols have been changed into real point objects. - redundant data have been eliminated 3. Faster and more efficient editing of the map! No misdirected investment, don t get stuck up!
We do whatever it takes to make perfect maps. Thank you for you attention.
Positioning of OCAD Geodata Mobile Data Entry (GPS) Internet Desktop Publishing (DTP)