Using Qgis
This guide presents the steps on converting a PDF or picture map to vector data that is computer readable. vectorized data can be used for creating interactive maps, routing functionality, accessible maps, and scales better between mobile and desktop devices. Tools like Audiom (Opens a New Tab), require vector data to run. QGIS(Opens a New Tab) is a free and open source map creation tool that will be used in this guide. Note that QGIS(Opens a New Tab) can be used to create maps from scratch, it is not only a PDF to vector data tool.
Although it is possible to vectorize your own data, it is recommended for more complex maps that a professional cartographer from XR Navigation(Opens a New Tab) or any other cartography company be used. Formats like indoor mapping data format (Opens a New Tab) are standardized ways of making multi-level building data that is more advanced than what this guide teaches.
Setting Up Your Project
- Download the free QGIS for your platform (Opens a new tab)
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To open the PDF or image map, click Layer -> Add Layer -> Add Raster Layer…
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In the Source section, the Raster dataset(s) menu and the Browse button are located at the top of the settings panel.
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Select a floor plan in image or PDF format and click Open. Then click Add.
- Close the Add Raster Layer window. You should now see the building plan.
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To access Layer -> Create Layer -> New Shapefile Layer…, the Layer menu is located at the top left of the QGIS window, in the main menu bar.
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In the File name field, specify the name of the file. Set File encoding to UTF-8, Geometry type to Polygon, and CRS to EPSG:4326 – WGS 84, then click OK.
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Right-click the new layer and click Toggle Editing.
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Click View (located at the top left), then go to Toolbars and enable the following toolbars: Advanced Digitizing Toolbar, Shape Digitizing Toolbar, and Attributes Toolbar.
Creating and Exporting Your Map
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Click the Add Polygon button and select a shape (e.g., square).
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Left-click to start drawing the shape. When done, right-click to finish drawing the shape.
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Click the Open Attribute Table button. Then click Add Field and create a new attribute called “name”. Set the type to Text (string) with a length of 255 characters.
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Set the name for the first shape. For future shapes, assign the name and IDs directly in the popup window that appears after creating the shape.
- Repeat the process to create all required objects on the map.
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After creating the shapes, right-click your layer, select Export -> Save Features As…, choose a file name, set the format to GeoJSON, and click OK. Geo-referencing is done when selecting the CRS (coordinate reference system) during the creation of the layer or when saving the file.
- Your data is now saved and can be exported to Audiom. Give the GeoJSON file to the Audiom team, and that will be used as your map.
References
Guide to converting PDF to vector data (Opens a New Tab)
Audiom — XR Navigation (Opens a New Tab)
Indoor Mapping Data Format Specification (Opens a New Tab)
QGIS Official Documentation (Opens a New Tab)
GeoJSON Specification (Opens a New Tab)
EPSG.io for CRS (Opens a New Tab)