Making Old Construction Plans Usable Again w Harnessing Old Blueprints

Whether conversion, extension or renovation of old buildings – pretty often, all that’s available are old, difficult-to-read construction plans on paper. The vectorization of old blueprints is like a link between past and future, between analogue and digital - an efficient step that opens up all the options for further digital processing and data exchange with project partners in all fields.

Why Vectorization?

• Your paper plans are converted into fully editable files in AutoCAD.
• The plans can be further processed as DWG files directly in your program or be imported as a plan basis into other CAD software such as ArchiCAD, REVIT, Nemetschek ALLPLAN or SolidWorks.
• Since nowadays in many fields of the construction industry, only BIM-capable offers are considered or are already required by law (e.g. in the field of traffic), you no longer stand a chance with analogue plans. →
• This is where vectorization comes into play and makes you competitive again.
• Vector data can be digitally archived, backed up and easily sent via email.
• The drawings can be printed in optimal quality and at the correct scale - a crucial difference compared to copies of paper stocks.

Unser Angebot zur Vektorisierung ist kostenfrei und beinhaltet folgendes:

• 1:1 Umsetzung übersandter Bestandspläne in digitale CAD-Zeichnungen
• Anlage einer differenzierten Layerstruktur
• Linien, Maßketten, Symbole, Schraffuren und Texte werden CAD-gerecht dargestellt
• Exakte Anpassung der Zeichnungsinhalte an die vorgegebene Bemaßung
• Abschließende Qualitätskontrolle
• Erstelltes Dateiformat: DWG / DXF.

Our Quote on Vectorization is Free and Includes the Following:

• 1:1 conversion of submitted construction plans to digital AutoCAD files
• Creation of a differentiated, tailor-made layer structure
• Lines, dimensions, symbols, hatches and texts are created in AutoCAD
• Exact adaptation of the drawing content to the specified dimensions
• Final Quality check
• Created file format: DWG or DXF.

Price Digitizing Blueprints w How Much for a Vectorization?

The pricing can be very individual, as a plan content can range from a plain single-family home with very few drawing elements, up to large-scale development plans or mechanical, electrical and plumbing plans (MEP) with a high level of density and detail.
Lines, symbols, blocks, hatches, dimensions, text, etc. are each created on their own layers, so they can be edited separately in AutoCAD and placed in the fore- or background during the plot settings. The price always depends on the extent of the work effort, not necessarily on the size or number of sheets. Therefore, we always need to view the plan drawings before submitting a quote.

Here on the rigt (or below), you can see sample drawings, that show how much one plan can differ from another

If you look closely, you can get an idea of how much the density and level of detail of a plan can influence the amount of work effort and therefore, the price. It also explains why it is essential to view the plan drawings before submitting a quote.

(These are freely accessible internet downloads for illustrative purposes only – Customer data are protected at all times.)

What is Happening during a Vectorization??  w  How does Vectorization Work?

• The PDF file of your plan scan is imported into AutoCAD as a plan basis and scaled according to the dimensions therein.
• A differentiated, tailor-made layer structure is provided.
• The drawing elements of your plan are created in AutoCAD.
• If the original drawing units are meters, then the AutoCAD units are meters as well, and the dimensions are created accordingly.
• We create the drawing 1:1 in the model space of AutoCAD and - as is customary in this field - the plan scale is created by the customer only during the plot process in the layout space of AutoCAD. We can help with this, if desired – however, plot manager settings are not part of the vectorization.
• Hatches are created on separate layers so that they can be turned on and off independently from the other drawing elements.
• If required, blocks are created e.g. for sanitary objects, furniture or room stamps.
• In the case of special requests, account can be taken after consultation.
• Text elements are put onto separate layers, like e.g. room numbers, room names, plan header, plan legend, elevations, etc.
• Upon completion of your order, an ultimate quality check takes place.
• The vectorized construction plans will be sent to you as DWG or DXF files by email, or optionally as a TeamBeam download link. Alternatively, you can also receive your files on a USB flash drive.

How can I have my paper plans digitized? How Long does a Vectorization Take?

• You email your quote request with your PDF plans attached to vektorisierung@reproplan.de
• You will receive our quote for free within a very short time frame during the usual working hours.
• You will let us know if you would like to place the order.
• You will receive your vectorized data as DWGs sent by email. Depending on the scope of the order, small orders may take approx. 3 or more working days, whereas the duration of large orders would be acc. to an individual agreement.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions on Vectorization:

Are the dimensions made of real dimension elements, like in AutoCAD?

Yes, they are, because they are actually created in AutoCAD.

Are the hatches real hatches, like in AutoCAD, or just individual lines?

Yes, the hatches are genuine AutoCAD hatches, because they are created in AutoCAD.

Do the dimensions exactly match the dimensions of the original plan?

The more accurate the original plan, the more accurate the vectorization created from it. However, it is not uncommon for original plan drawings to contain errors. Some are just calculation errors that can be corrected in vectorization. In places where dimension elements differ too much from the original, we underline the value.

Are walls, windows, doors and stairs on separate layers?

Yes, we create a differentiated layer structure, with which the various components can be separated from each other - at least roughly - and can be turned on and off independently. If special layers are required, we can create them according to a prior agreement. Layer specifications for CAD files are sometimes required by official authorities and public clients, for example.