Blueprints

[deanlegg]

Hi all

Where do you get car blueprints from?
Are there any sites that are free?

Thanks

[thomthom]

Apache2 Ubuntu Default Page: It works

(www.the-blueprints.com)

Some are not free - but I think it's mostly the vector versions.

[deanlegg]

What's a vector version?

[thomthom]

That it's be in a vector format like DWG, PDF, AI, SVG or similar as oppose to bitmap formats like BMP, PNG, JPEG, TIFF etc.

[ely862me]

A vector file it is a file that whatever scale you apply to it ,it will always show at high resolution.(my words)

A vector file is a graphics file that contains a vector image, rather than a raster, or bitmapped, image. Shapes and lines make up vector graphics, which are fully scalable images, while raster images are made of pixels and cannot be scaled up without loss. Graphic designers prefer vector images for logos and line art because they can be converted to a wide range of sizes without distorting the image. (eHow words http://www.ehow.com/about_5370538_vector-file.html )

[Gaieus]

Also, the above explanations also mean that if you can import vector based graphics into SU as vectors, the vectors will immediately act as SU edges which you can start working with - while you need to trace raster based graphics first with the SU line/arc etc. tools to get your edges.

[thomthom]

@gaieus said:

Also, the above explanations also mean that if you can import vector based graphics into SU as vectors, the vectors will immediately act as SU edges which you can start working with - while you need to trace raster based graphics first with the SU line/arc etc. tools to get your edges.

Generally I find that imported vector graphic either have too many points, or too few. You rarely get a optimal model by using the imported geometry directly.

[Gaieus]

That's very true but even if you just use it as a general guide line (almopst literally): to snap to its edges/endpoints etc. when overdrawing something, it may still be more accurate (and faster) than tracing blurry images.