Exercise H3: Improving Existing Linework

In this exercise you learn about using bitonal image processing tools, REM smoothing tools, and using vector to fill in for raster.

You work with an image of a floor plan. In areas where the raster linework is jagged, you use bitonal smoothing filters to improve existing raster on a regional basis. You also use REM smoothing tools to improve raster on an entity-by-entity basis.

You use vector linework to fill in missing raster. Raster snaps, which operate much as AutoCAD object snaps operate on vector objects, help to re-create linework precisely and quickly.

Related Exercises

Before doing this exercise, ensure that AutoCAD Raster Design toolset options are set as described in the exercise Exercise A1: Setting AutoCAD Raster Design Toolset Options.

Exercise

1. In the ..\Program Files\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins\RasterDesign2024.Bundle\Contents\Tutorials\Tutorial4 folder, open the drawing file Hybrid_03.dwg.

   View the image and the proposed vector changes

2. On the ribbon, click View tab Named Views panel View Manager . Then expand the Model Views node and select the view named TU_entry, click Set Current, and click OK. The vector linework for the proposed new entrance to the building is displayed.
3. Set the view to TU_classroom to see the vector linework for the proposed new classrooms.
4. Set the view to TU_ramp to see the vector linework for the ramp to the stage.
5. Set the view to TU_storeroom to see an area of the image where the raster linework needs improvement.

   This example shows an area of the image where the linework is poor: some raster lines are thin, while others overlap. Bitonal filters are one option for enhancing the linework. However, these filters work best on images where the line density is relatively uniform.

   

   Apply line smoothing to a region of the image

6. On the ribbon, click Raster Tools tab Edit panel Process Image drop-down menu Bitonal Filters . Then press Enter to process the entire image.
7. In the Bitonal Filters dialog box, select Smooth for the filter type, 1 for the number of passes, and click OK.

   After applying one pass of the smoothing filter, the raster lines are more accurate.

   

   Specify the raster snap settings

8. On the ribbon, click View tab Named Views panel View Manager . Then expand the Model Views node and select the view named TU_linework, click Set Current, and click OK. An area of the image where some raster lines are missing is displayed.

   This example shows where lines are missing in the image. New vector lines need to be drawn in where indicated.

   
9. To display the AutoCAD Drafting Settings dialog box, on the ribbon, click Raster Tools tab Snap panel Dialog box launcher ().
10. Specify the following settings for the raster snaps:
    • Raster Snap: On
    • Raster Snap Modes: End
    • Aperture Size: 25
11. Click OK.

    Create vector linework from the thin raster lines

12. Turn ORTHO Mode On.
13. Fill in the gaps in the raster lines with vector lines.

    This example shows the vector lines filling in where the raster was missing.

    
14. Turn ORTHO Mode Off.

    In a later exercise, you merge the vector linework with the raster image.

    Turn off raster snaps

15. On the ribbon, click Raster Tools tab Snap panel Dialog box launcher ().
16. Clear Raster Snap On, and click OK.

    Apply line smoothing to specific lines in the image

17. On the ribbon, click View tab Named Views panel View Manager . Then expand the Model Views node and select the view named TU_multi_purpose, click Set Current, and click OK. Note the vertical wall lines are jagged and of varying widths.
18. On the ribbon, click Raster Tools tab REM panel Create Primitive drop-down menu Line .
19. Zoom in and select the four vertical lines that form the side walls of the multi-purpose room, repeating the REM Line command as necessary. The lines are now represented by REM entities.
    
20. Select the four REM lines, then right-click and click Properties. The Properties palette appears. Ensure that the selected objects are identified as REM Line (4).
21. On the Properties palette, in the Geometry section, set the Width to 3.

    The four lines are redrawn to a uniform width and smoothed automatically.

22. Close the Properties palette.
23. Ensure that the four lines are selected, then right-click and select Merge To Raster Image. The modified lines are merged back into the image.

    The following example shows the four lines smoothed with equal width and merged back into the image.

    
24. Close the drawing without saving changes.