the number of the total nodes that describe the image): select the image and enter in Edit paths by node modality (second icon at the top of the toolbox on the left side, it is sufficient to press F2 key), then select all nodes clicking on Edit -> Select All (or Ctrl+A) and then Path -> Semplify (or Ctrl+L). Reduction of the resulting vector graphic (i.e.

Using Edit -> Undo (or Ctrl+Z) you can remove the last operation and restart again with the conversion. When you obtain a satisfactory result click on OK button. The menu allows you to change the threshold value (on the right side) and with an Update button you can view the preview. Brightness cutoff, based on a given brightness level.Convert choosing one of two procedures:.Select image with left buttom of your mouse and click Path -> Trace Bitmap (or Maisc+Alt+B).Load resulting image in Inkscape with File -> Import (or Ctrl+I) and then after selected it click on Open, you can link (less resources used) or embed image.Then extend your settings to whole image (in this manner you can save time and hardware resources). If like me, you don't have a powerful workstation, I suggest you to select a very little portion of your image and make experiments on it. I use GIMP, an image retouching and editing tool released under GPLv3 license, to do this modifications. Analysis of the source image: clean, fix some contour and selection of the interested part.In these cases I perform the following operations: Otherwise I use Inkscape, vector graphics editor GPL licensed, to convert the maps in DXF format. Well, if I have to do small additions in this file, I can simply import it in CAD like a raster image. Other Regions don't have this chance and most I can obtain is a TIFF georeferenced. Luckily in my Region, through the GeoPortale Regionale, I can download maps in DXF format, like you can prove clicking in this page Infrastruttura dei Dati Territoriali del Veneto - Catalogo dei Dati. Sometimes I have to draw over a raster image, and if it is a map, I have many details to modify or semplify. The final result, nevertheless with some limitations and lacks, allows you a more productivity and improves the quality of design. In this short tutorial I will explain how you can convert cartographic maps available in TIFF format to DXF, a vectorial standard available in most CAD software.

Inkscape vs gimp for dxf