Interactive Vectorization

Interactive vectorization provides tools to generate features manually. This process is similar to existing techniques used to create features with the Editor tools. Interactive vectorization consists of two components: raster snapping and raster tracing.

Automatic and interactive vectorization both require settings that influence how the output vector features are generated. These settings, also known as styles, can be saved and reused with raster images that possess similar characteristics.

Raster Snapping

ArcScan for ArcGIS supports the ability to snap to raster cells. Although not required for raster tracing, raster snapping can help ensure that you create features accurately. You can snap to raster centerlines, intersections, corners, ends, and solids while creating features with the Editor tools.

Raster Tracing

Raster tracing is useful in cases in which you need to have more control over the vectorization process or need to vectorize a small portion of an image. Raster tracing allows you to manually trace raster cells and generate vector features.

Using the tracing tool, you simply point the cursor in the direction you wish to vectorize and click. With each click, features will be generated at the centerline of the raster cells. The current vectorization settings influence the output vector geometry. You have the option through the Editor to generate line and/or polygon features.