Hello,
there are some R2V (automatic raster to vector converter) which try to
found text on the map. I don't know open source solution for the problem.
I've some experiences with VPMax, VPStudio which can find rotated text
too.
The result is highly depending on the qualy of the map and of cource the
quality of the hand written text.
Regards,
Zoltan
On Wed, 4 May 2011, Ramon Andinach wrote:
On 04/05/2011, at 17:18 , ALT SHN wrote:
Hello,
This might seem a Little off topic, but maybe someone here can help me.
I need to extract toponomical data from old digitized paper maps. I wish to
explore Optical character recognition (OCR).
Does anyone has a suggestion/experience with this kind of challenge?
Thank you,
André Mano
I'd argue about the "little". I've spent a lot of the last few weeks arguing
with OCR software about tables of sample data from old reports, that become point data to
plot. Perfectly relevant :)
I've never tried getting data from digitized maps, but I'll offer the following
generalisations in case it helps. Generally, I have OCR programmes pass me the
results as plain text. I lose the formatting, but I don't have to fix stupid
guesses about the formatting.
This is from my experience, so you may find different.
1. OCR loves paragraphs.
2. Different OCR programmes handle column text differently. Some understand
columns, some just assume L->R straight across both columns.
3. OCR does not get along with handwritten anything. (Unless the person was
extra-extra neat and consistent in their writing, and even then it's a maybe.)
4. OCR on tabular data works best if the data is lined up in columns, and
doesn't have random big gaps.
5. OCR will almost certainly be confused if there is a line on your map running
through or near a word.
5a. Actually lines could confuse it quite a bit - I remember one that tried to
recreate an in-line sketch map out of ascii characters. Quite amusing.
6. You *will* need to check the results.
I'd love to hear what OCR makes of maps. Very curious.
-ramon._______________________________________________
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