Aperture Card Scanning

Aperture cards are commonly used to store large format drawing information and can be many years old. The information is often stored centrally but is needed by many parties in different locations. So, digitising the cards and making the contents available electronically saves hours of time.

Preview has developed an efficient scanning procedure that processes aperture cards rapidly, at high quality - and is very highly cost effective!

Six Step Aperture Card Scanning...

• The aperture card is scanned the latest high speed specialist scanners. Any necessary information such as Drawing Number, Issue, Sheet etc. can be used to name the image file.
• The scanned output forms the 'Raw' raster image. Each is then normally given an arbitrary sequential name (number). Simultaneously the punched (Hollerith) information, if available, is captured.
• The 'Raw' raster images are then processed. Processing includes automatic despeckling, manual deskewing & cropping
• The completed images are exported in the required file format and mastered onto CD-ROM.
• The punched information is collected together and used to generate a database relating drawing details with the filenames.
• The images are used directly from the CD-ROM, or transferred to hard disk. The database information can then be imported into the client's drawing management system.

There are many variations on this basic theme. The most popular image format is .TIF (TIFF Compressed Group IV) and the most popular database format is .CSV (Comma Separated Variable), though we can supply many dozens of other formats. For instance, some clients require a simpler scheme in which the files are named according to the drawing number or have a directory structure built to locate the drawing images.

If the client has no existing or suitable drawing management system, Preview is able to supply a range of recommended software solutions from entry level to state-of-the-art.

Alternatively Preview has a world class web based image repository eView+ that enables drawings to be stored securely and viewed 24/7 from any location with Internet access.

Call Preview Services on 020 8755 5710
or complete an Information Request form.