File Conversion

Is the image file that you are trying to use geo-referenced by chance?

There is no elegant (or cheap) way that I know of to convert raster images to vector suitable for upload to a Ranger. If there is I'd love to know about it.

In addition, as Randy notes, the vector file must be georeferenced to the same coordinate system as your job data to have value.

There is an online service called VectorMagic that you can try out to see if it points you in the right direction for converting a variety of raster formats to vector however only the commercial desktop option supports DXF.

There are any number of other services and software packages for raster to vector conversion but they all typically have a significant cost, particularly if you need to georeference the file to a user coordinate system.

I am just trying to import a base map image into my TDS Ranger so I have a background image to help reference traverse points to local physical improvements. The user manual made it sound pretty simple. I am just using a local coordinate system by assigning a centerline intersection monument as N 5000 E 5000

Raster to vector conversion has always been clunky and inelegant. Here might be some options:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_raster_to_vector_conversion_software

Were it me, I'd be looking for a vector-based map source, or if there's stuff that can't be had anywhere other than in that image, start with a vector-based map, georeference the image in, and trace the particular features you need.

Dennis, what software version are you running on the Ranger? The Users manual for version 4.6 says that the software supports basemaps in AutoCAD (DXF), TDS, and GeoTIFF format.

From that, any raster images you have must be converted to GeoTIFF files with the appropriate georeferencing information embedded.

Here is a link to a good sourcce for GIS and mapping software solutions:

http://software.geocomm.com/

I highly recommend [REDACTED], an excellent utility program for working with spatial data from any number of sources and formats. It isn't free at $350 for a single license but it is money well spent.

http://www.globalmapper.com

Here is a link to the User Manual for version 4.6 of TDS Survey Pro:

http://trl.trimble.com/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-473974/Survey_Pro_46_Ranger_Users.pdf

I am using Survey Pro Ver. 4.5

Thanks everyone for your advice