[GRASS-user] pdf maps

[Hamish]

[taking this off the -dev list, it doesn't need to be there]

Mohammed Rashad wrote:
> Is there any module in grass to read maps which are in
> PDF format to raster or vector.
> ArcGIS can read pdf files as raster maps. may i know
> the module is available in GRASS or GRASS-Addons repo.

do you mean something included as part of a regular document,
or a "GeoPDF",  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeoPDF

wikipedia says:
...
"Meanwhile Adobe made own geospatial extensions in the PDF 1.7 specification, which are published as ISO 32000 and used by different GIS vendors for geospatial PDF production."


IIUC it is being heavily pushed by some software companies..
AFAIK the scientists haven't been pulled away from their netCDF
and geotiffs at all by this, but various gov't depts have started
to use it as it makes data easily accessible.


the more impartial than me USGS says:
 http://store.usgs.gov/locator/about_digital_maps.html

"GeoPDF files are not a replacement for native GIS formats. GIS professionals still need the original files for editing or updating spatial data. GeoPDF files enable non-GIS professionals, field technicians, business executives, and their colleagues to utilize rich spatial information. Users can view and print GeoPDF files with the free and ubiquitous Adobe Reader ,and they can do more with the data using a free plug-in called TerraGo Desktop. Users do not have to install this plug-in to view GeoPDF files."

and finally a web search found:
  http://geopdf.blogspot.com/


Hamish