What is a Digitizer?
1. Measuring Paper Blueprints: Estimators can use Takeoff Software with a digitizer to quickly measure and store quantities from a blueprint and transfer them into the computer. Depending on the software, you may or may not see a graphical representation of your takeoff on the screen. Although drivers are included with the digitizer to help it communicate with your software, the Takeoff Software must be purchased separately unless you use a QuikRuler which does not require a computer or software.
2. Tracing Paper Drawings into a Digital Software Program (CAD/Graphic): When an old drawing needs to be reproduced digitially and only exists in paper medium, a digitizer can be very effective in recreating this drawing directly into a CAD or graphic program. The Digitizer works just like a mouse to allow the user to trace or draw the drawing directly into an existing software program. A faster alternative to this COULD be Raster to Vector Conversion Software depending on the user and the complexity of the drawing.
3. Programming functions into a CAD type Program (Small Format Digitizers): A small format digitizer is sometimes used with a template to select fumctions in a CAD type program. A template that is specific to a software program is placed on top of the digitizer and each area is programed with a specific function. Whan the user desires to trigger that function, he/she can simply click in this area with the stylus or mouse input device.
