Raster to vector

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Raster to vector refers to software and hardware technology for converting raster graphics to vector graphics; the process is called vectorisation.

Popular applications:

In computer-aided design (CAD) drawings (blueprints etc.) are scanned, vectorised and written as CAD files in a process called paper-to-CAD conversion or drawing conversion.
In geographic information systems (GIS) satellite or aerial images are vectorised to create maps.
In graphic design and photography, graphics and photographs can be vectorised, which is often done through a vectoriser plugin for Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Graphics can be vectorised for better usage and resizing, often without a change in appearance. Vectorising a photograph will likely change its appearance from "photographic" to "painted" or "drawn"; the photograph may even be transformed into a silhouette. One function of vectorising a photograph is to be able to integrate it into a geometric design such as a logo.