PICTURE - Large Format Digitizer on a Pedestal (Pedestals are purchased
separately)
Technical Definition: A tablet or board-like device for converting analog electric signals of an absolute or relative position on the tablet surface to digital x,y coordinates. This process yields vector data consisting of points, lines, and polygons that will need to be edited. By positioning a pointing device containing a magnetic coil (cursor or pen stylus) on the tablet surface which is embedded with a grid of wires, a signal is generated. The resolution, or density of wires in the grid, vary from 1,000 to 10,000 lines per inch. Active surface sizes vary from 12 x 12 (A size) to 48 x 72 inches (E size), with prices ranging from $350 to $5,000. Related terms: digitizing mode, digital scanner, digitizer (video).
Laymans Terms: A digitizer is most commonly used by Engineers, Construction Estimators, Graphic Artists, and Map/GIS specialists. There are several uses for digitizers depending on the user, but the three most common uses are:
1. Measuring Paper Blueprints: Estimators can use Takeoff Software with a digitizer to quickly measure and store quantities from a blueprint and transfer them into the computer. Depending on the software, you may or may not see a graphical representation of your takeoff on the screen. Although drivers are included with the digitizer to help it communicate with your software, the Takeoff Software must be purchased separately unless you use a QuikRuler which does not require a computer or software.
2. Tracing Paper Drawings into a Digital Software Program (CAD/Graphic): When an old drawing needs to be reproduced digitially and only exists in paper medium, a digitizer can be very effective in recreating this drawing directly into a CAD or graphic program. The Digitizer works just like a mouse to allow the user to trace or draw the drawing directly into an existing software program. A faster alternative to this COULD be Raster to Vector Conversion Software depending on the user and the complexity of the drawing.
3. Programming functions in a CAD type Program (Small Format Digitizers): A small format digitizer is sometimes used with a template to select fumctions in a CAD type program. A template that is specific to a software program is placed on top of the digitizer and each area is programed with a specific function. Whan the user desires to trigger that function, he/she can simply click in this area with the stylus or mouse input device.
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