Insert Raster Image

If “regular” digital maps do not exist, the existing map basis can be scanned and used as background information in AutoCAD. Use this function to insert several raster image files into AutoCAD/Novapoint in one process. The minimum requirement of the function are listed below:

• The image files (that are to be inserted) with their full path and the filename are to be listed in the text editor. The text editor extension should be TXT. Use this link for an example. When inserting a single raster file, the creation of the text editor is not required.

• The function needs to have a coordinate file MMM or SOS file that contains the coordinates and size of the image.

  • Some distributors of orthophotos provide coordinate files that describe the location, scaling, and rotation of the raster image. The same coordinate file can be used.

  • Geocoding and SOS/MMM: With the exception of the “geotiff format”, the majority of the raster images do not contain information about where they are located in the world. Since AutoCAD does not use X/Y = 0/0 as default and the image width is not scaled to 1 unit (most often 1 meter) one must ordinarily add the coordinate values manually. SOS and MMM files contain values that geocode the raster image in relation to a coordinate system, which defines corner coordinates and pixel/unit relations.

• The function reads raster files with the formats:

  • TIF, TGA, RLC, GIF, BMP, RST, GP4, MIL, CAD, CG4, RLE, DIB, FLC, FLI, BIL, IG4, JPG, PCX, PCT, and PNG.

Run the function from:

Ribbon: Novapoint > Map > Insert Raster Image

Command prompts for:

Read one or several files [One/Several/?] <One>: Use the key O for a single file and S for several files. In this example, several files are inserted.

The dialog List file with the name of raster files (Use DIR /B /S listing) will pop up. Select the text file having the list of images to be inserted.

If the mage already is Attached in the drawing, must it be detached before you run RASTER_IN.

Draw rectangles around images [Yes/No] <Yes>: The default option is Yes

Draw all rectangles on a single layer or use the filename as layer name for rectangles [Single/Filename] <Single>: Rectangles can be drawn on a separate layer using the option Filename

Layer name for rectangles around images and text showing image name <0>: Type in a layer name

To create a new layer, specify the layer name and Novapoint will create the layer.

Draw only filename (remove path) [Yes/No] <Yes>: Enter

The function will now list the image files that have been inserted into your drawing.

Next topic: Smooth Contours