Expert: Bob - 12/23/2009

Question
I am a landscape architect using Keyplanting, an off the shelf  customised programme based on Autocad 2007.  It is essentially the same as 2007 but with some of the functions removed to reduce price, and a few extras added to tailor it for our work.  I have a tiff file (a map) that I want to import into Keyplanting and then overlay it with drawing information.  When I look at the map on the screen, it is pixelated until I zoom right in, when it then looks OK.  WHen I plot the drawing (i.e. the map with the drawing info on top of it) it comes out pixelated and unreadable.  I wonder if there is a scaling issue?
I have used Autocad/Keyplanting for about 6 years but am not really computer literate so need answers spelled out, if possible.
MAny thanks if you can help.

Answer
Hi -

I THINK the problem here is that no one has explained to you what an image is: it consists of pixels. If you think of ground cover, perhaps that will help: you don't have enough density of "plants" to cover. If your image is not of high enough quality (resolution), it does not work.
Remember, an image which looks fine at 8x10", when blown up to be large enough to go in a full sized drawing, is going to look thin (pixelated).

I am an Interior designer, working in Imperial scale, and don't draw large plans over maps (so I am taking my best shot at helping) -- by your spelling of "programme", you are in Metric, which means your drawing objects are 24X mine, thus the image needs to stretch more, to be a background for you, than for me.

so...........
A-- you could get a higher quality tiff file (might be many too many megs)by having someone help you scan the map at high resolution.
B-- You do not say whether you are trying to draw precisely to scale over the image (dangerous)--
how about this workaround???--
Draw over image
Delete the image, and re-insert it in Paper Space, where it can be smaller
Copy what you drew to Paper Space, then reduce it so it fits over the image

Sorry, my mind is on getting to a plane -- but I hope this helps. I might suggest you ask others in your profession locally what they do.

BOB