Easy Trace Pro

Turning scanned maps into GIS-ready vector data

Easy Trace Pro is cartographic vectorizing software. It takes a scanned map or satellite and aerial imagery and produces vector data ready for a geographic information system. Its makers stress that this is not just another vectorizer: it was designed for real map processing, suited to digitizing whole towns and regions, and yet is meant to remain simple to use. They also use the software themselves on real projects and have automated every routine step they could.

Preparing the raster

The program has image preprocessing tools such as sharpening, contrast adjustment and other filters, extraction of colored thematic layers and repair of small raster defects. Mask filtering handles black and white rasters, including preparation of contour line scans. The company says these tools can recover lines that have faded or are hidden under hatching.

Tracing and editing

Line tracing can be automatic, semi-automatic or manual, with auto-tracing of lines and outlining of areas, recognition of grids, marshes, circles and symbols, filtering after tracing, joining of gaps and line shape optimization. Editors work on single objects or groups, with tools such as line matching, a vector eraser and a bend editor.

Attributes, topology and relief

Attributes can be assigned individually or in groups, copied from a sample object, shown as thematic displays and converted by rules. A topology model can be built, checked and corrected, which the company regards as essential, and lines can be optimized while keeping topology. Contour elevations can be assigned automatically in simple cases or semi-automatically, then checked. A composite tool chains utilities into a processing technology.

Formats, examples and services

It reads raster formats including TIF, JPG, BMP, ECW and PNG and reference files such as TFW and TAB, and writes vector formats such as DXF, DWG, DGN and SHP, so data can be prepared for ArcView, MapInfo, AutoCAD and other systems. Ready-made technologies and sample projects, each with video and commented operations, help new users, and a time-accounting feature tracks digitizing productivity. The group also offers digitizing services and training based on about 20 years of vectorizing work.