Vectorization and Simple Raster Editing

ArcScan™

for ArcGIS®

ArcScan for ArcGISVectorization and Simple Raster Editing

ArcScan™ for ArcGIS®, an extension to ArcView®, ArcEditor™, and ArcInfo™, provides a powerful, efficient, and easy-to-use set of tools for raster-to-vector conversion. Users can significantly minimize postprocessing work by using the batch vectorization capabilities within ArcScan to create vector features from the entire image or by interactively tracing selected areas. This benefits the GIS user by allowing them to quickly convert raster data to vector-based feature layers such as shapefiles and geodatabase feature classes. ArcScan tools are all fully integrated within the editing environment of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo.

With ArcScan for ArcGIS, You Can• Create shapefile or geodatabase line and polygon features directly from

raster images.

• Perform interactive or batch mode raster-to-vector data conversion.

• Clean up unwanted parts of a raster image prior to batch vectorization.

• Use raster snapping capabilities to make interactive tracing more accu-rate and efficient.

• Select groups of raster cells by querying for connected areas.

Batch VectorizationOne of the key features of ArcScan is its ability to automatically convert raster data into vector features. This process, known as batch vectoriza-tion, can significantly reduce the time it takes to vectorize scanned images.

ArcScan supports two types of vectorization methods: centerline and outline. Depending on your requirements and the type of scanned images you are working with, the vectorization method you employ will vary.

• Centerline vectorization generates vector features along the center of the raster linear elements. This method is typically used for vectorizing parcel and survey scanned maps.

• Outline vectorization generates vector features at the border of the raster linear elements. This method is typically used for vectorizing land use and vegetation scanned maps.

Batch vectorization requires settings that influ-ence how the output vector features are gener-ated. These settings, also known as styles, can be saved and reused with raster images that possess similar characteristics.Select settings for batch vectorization.

Before Vectorization Vectorization Preview

Interactive VectorizationAlong with batch vectorization, you can also generate features manually. This process is known as interactive vectorization and is similar to existing techniques used to create features with the Editor tool. Interactive vectorization consists of two components: raster snapping and raster tracing.

Raster Snapping ArcScan supports the ability to snap to raster cells. Although not required for raster tracing, raster snapping can help ensure that you create features accurately. You can snap to raster centerlines, intersections, corners, ends, and solids.

You can specify your raster snapping preferences using the Editor’s Snapping Environ-ment dialog box.

Raster TracingRaster tracing is useful in cases in which you need to have more control over the vectorization process or need to vectorize a small portion of an image. The Vectoriza-tion Trace tool allows you to manually trace raster cells and generate features for raster data that you wish to vectorize.

With the Vectorization Trace tool, you simply point the cursor in the direction you wish to vectorize and click. With each click, features are generated at the centerline of the raster cells. The current vectorization settings influence the output vector geometry. You have the option to generate line and/or polygon features.

IntersectionCenterlines

Raster SelectionArcScan supports tools for selecting raster cells. You can create raster selections interac-tively by clicking a series of connected cells or by executing an expression-based query. These selection tools can help you define the scope of your vectorization.

The Select Connected Cells dialog box allows you to perform complex cell selection based on pixel area and envelope extents. This can help you filter which cells you wish to omit or include in the vectorization.

Use provided tools for raster cleanup.

Select cells for vectorization.

Select snapping environment for raster tracing.

Snapping to raster intersections or to raster centerlines.

For more information on ArcScan for ArcGIS, please visit www.esri.com/arcscan.

Supported PlatformsArcScan for ArcGIS is available for Windows ® 2000, Windows NT® 4.0, and Windows XP (Home and Professional edition). ArcScan for ArcGIS requires ArcInfo, ArcEditor, or ArcView.

Simple Raster EditingArcScan also supports tools for editing raster images. You can draw, fill, and erase raster cells all within an edit session. These steps, known as raster cleanup, allow you to eliminate raster cells that are not in the scope of the vectorization. In addition, you can export the modified raster to a new file in case you need to preserve the original copy.

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