pdf conversion

[VJ]

Hello,

We have a number of PDF files that contain important data. The files clearly contain layers, but we have problems converting them to another format that can be read in ArcGIS (e.g. DXF).

Any suggestions for such tools?
(pdfs are up to 60 MB, containing a fully multi layer map of Warsaw with various air quality data)


Jörg

[gt40]

Kubotek Key Creator should. I can try it if you have a link to a file.

[VJ]

Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to send the files to anyone else. The data is quite detailed and we needed to get special permission to obtain it. (I know I can trust you, but still would prefer to stick to procedures).

I got a couple of trial versions of softwares that claim to be able to do the conversion, but either they crash, or generate files we cannot use. Adobe Illustrator for instance returns a dxf file that is 2.5 GB, which no software can read anymore...

[gt40]

I've tried a couple files with it. It doesn't seem to like vector encoded pdf's but extracts U3D encoded ones just fine.

[UtwigMU]

Try with CorelDraw, you can open pdf and export DWG or DXF and do so with just layers. Not sure if it will discern layers but you could use Adobe tools to separate layers.

[UtwigMU]

Another option is open pdf in phtoshop, rasterize layer, convert to bitmap (image adjust threshold, image mode bitmap), then save as tiff, import into autocad, put it on a layer with blue color and use white color to draw over it.

The problem with DXF conversion is that for example you have an arc or a curve in AI or CDR, they generally make polygon with a lot very short segments.

Also DWG should have lesser filesize than DXF.

[VJ]

I should check, but I don't think we have a recent license for CorelDraw... In Acrobat Professional, it does not seem to give me much options to export to a vector format...

[UtwigMU]

You can download trial, it should at least enable you to see whether it works or not.