How to vectorize a bitmap or pdf?

[BlueRose_76]

Dear fellow graphic designers,

whats the fastest way to make a vector out of a bitmap (jpg/tiff, general image file) or a pdf (with probably a bitmap enclosed).

I have to make some sort of line art/blueprint/map out of a picture.

Is there some illustrator trick, or do i have to it manually with a pen tool?

Im running on photoshop, illustrator, indesign.

All help appriciated, thanks,

BR_76

[the.ronin]

Do you mean turning an image like this into an image like this?

If so, I can give you details. I used Flash.

[BlueRose_76]

Not exactly , more into this, and ofcourse not into a gif but into a vector-eps/ai.

And btw flash is out of my league. So do have any options.

(The friday evening 1700 deadline hour is closing in soooo fast )

[BornToKill]

can't see image, also maybe to late as its midnight here on Friday .

But Adobe Ilustrator CS2 has a Trace Function under the Object menu ->Live Trace -> Tracing options.

You can set pixel width detection width, colour threshold (i find 2colors setting best for outlines tho). You can also set curve strength etc and all in a preview mode until you happy you've got a reasonable trace.

Then you need some time and patience to tidy it up, remove un-neccesary vectors and tweek the beziers to general tidy the image up.

[BlueRose_76]

Thanks.

Missed that deadline anyway, so gonna try that monday, first thing in the morning