Vectorisation/vectorising
Vectorisation/vectorising : The process of turning a raster image and converting it into a "smart" file by taking lines of pixels (dots), recognising them as lines, circles or symbols, and overlaying or tracing them with vectors, which are smart lines, complete with assigned x and y co-ordinates. Vectors create quantifiable information, length, width, area etc. Why would you vectorise a 'dumb' image? Click here