Convert Scanned Survey PDF to AutoCAD (DWG) — Proper Scale & Layering
Overview
I have a scanned PDF of a land survey that needs to be redrawn in AutoCAD. The goal is a clean, accurate DWG with correct scale, layers, lineweights, and linetypes suitable for downstream design work.
Scope of Work
Recreate all linework from the attached survey PDF:
Property boundary, bearings/distances, monuments
Easements, setbacks, ROWs
Buildings/structures, drives, walks, fences, walls
Utilities (water, sewer, gas, electric, comm), meters/valves/manholes
Contours/spot elevations (if shown), benchmark(s)
Labels, leaders, north arrow, legend, title block notes as text (not exploded geometry)
Scale & Units
Draw to true scale using the survey’s stated scale and/or known dimensions.
Units: US Survey Feet (unless noted otherwise).
Layering & Standards
Organize with logical layers (NCS-style preferred) with color by layer and bylayer lineweights.
Use standard linetypes for centerlines, property lines, easements, utilities, etc.
Convert repeated symbols to blocks (e.g., manholes, cleanouts, hydrants, meters).
Quality Requirements
Closed polylines for parcel/building footprints.
Text styles consistent and readable; no over-scaled text.
Purge/audit the file; no stray geometry off extents.
No external references; everything self-contained.
Deliverables
DWG file (AutoCAD 2018+ compatible).
Printable PDF sheet at original survey size (e.g., 24x36 or as found on the PDF).
CTB/STB used for plotting and a brief readme (units, scale method, any assumptions).
Optional: Layer list (CSV or screenshot) and block legend.
Inputs Provided
Attached survey PDF (scanned).
(If available) Any known dimensions or control points to verify scale.
(Optional) Coordinate system or site address if georeferencing is desired.
Nice-to-Haves (please indicate if included in your bid)
Georeferencing to a stated CRS (e.g., State Plane) using provided control.
Extraction of bearing & distance tables to editable text.
Simple legend/title block cleanup matching the original.
Timeline
Draft DWG for review: 2–3 business days from award.
Final files after one revision pass: 1–2 business days after feedback.
Budget
Fixed price preferred. Please propose a total based on the attached PDF and what’s included.
What to Include in Your Proposal
Relevant samples of survey-to-CAD conversions (before/after if possible).
Your AutoCAD version and typical layering standard (NCS or your template).
Brief note on your scaling method for scanned PDFs (e.g., using two known dimensions).
Whether you can georeference if provided control/CRS.
Turnaround time and fixed-price quote.
Screening Questions
Have you converted scanned (not vector) survey PDFs to DWG before?
How do you ensure dimensional accuracy when the PDF may be slightly distorted?
Do you provide closed parcel polylines and block libraries for utilities?
Can you mirror the survey’s linetypes/lineweights and provide the CTB/STB?
Are two minor revision rounds included?
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