Raster to vector

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

Popular applications:

In computer-aided design (CAD) drawings (blueprints etc.) are scanned, vectorized 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 vectorized to create maps.
In graphic design and photography, graphics and photographs can be vectorized, which is often done through a vectorizer plugin for Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Graphics can be vectorized for better usage and resizing, often without a change in appearance. Vectorizing 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 vectorizing a photograph is to be able to integrate it into a geometric design such as a logo.