Working with scanned images in the project

Module(s): Scan

This section describes the steps to take in order to work with scanned images in a project.

• Please bear in mind that many of the image editing functions in the Scan module will actually modify the file containing the image. You should therefore use Copy Image to make a backup copy.

• Before you can associate a scanned image with a drawing file, the image must be available in the current project in RLC format.
  If the data is only available as a file in TIFF, BMP or another common bitmap format and has to be converted to RLC format first, use Link with Scanned Image to import the data directly and convert it to RLC format.
  Alternatively, you can use Converter.
  

  The RLC format is a compressed pixel format operating in black and white mode. Due to its structure, it is especially well suited to hybrid data processing, i.e., the simultaneous display, processing and printing of pixel data in combination with vector data. In the Scan module, bitmap files (e.g., scans of drawings) can be stored in RLC format as a scanned image. Bitmap files received in BMP or TIF format can be converted into RLC format.

  Note: Although Allplan can convert any standard bitmap format to RLC format, it is advisable to use TIFF format (TIFF G4 is best) as data in this format can be converted quickly.

Importing scanned images

To work in the Scan module (basic approach)

1. Use Insert Image (How) to place the scanned image (RLC format) in the background of a drawing file.
   

   Activate Link with Scanned Image in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Bonus Tools Scan

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   Scan

   Note: A scanned image can be linked (associated) with several drawing files. This way, working and execution plans can be given the same background.

2. In Insert Image check and define the display parameters:
   • If the display is not to scale, first check the resolution; it should be the same as the resolution that applied when the image was scanned in.
   • If necessary, enter a zoom factor.
3. The image can be repositioned with Reposition Image (How).
   

   Activate Reposition Image in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Modify Bonus Tools Scan

   • Palette: Tools Modify area in the following module(s):

   Scan

4. Use 3-Point Correct (How) to even out irregularities caused by scanning in the original drawing.
   

   Activate 3-Point Correct in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Modify Bonus Tools Scan

   • Palette: Tools Modify area in the following module(s):

   Scan

5. After associating the image with a drawing file, you can enlarge it, resize it or rotate it and display it alone, with other scanned images or with Allplan drawing files.

   Note: As scanned images are comprised of pixels, lines and other entities are not recognized as such.

Tip: The image editing tools provided in the Scan module work in the same was as the equivalent tools in the Draft module; the polyline entry tools are also available.

Tip: The scanned image is displayed in layouts.
To speed up the layout refresh process, use Border to display the extents of the image (the extents are displayed in the construction line color) and temporarily hide the actual image.