Redrawit

Redrawit converts low-resolution images in the BMP, JPEG, GIF, PNG file formats into EPS scalable vector pictures.

You just upload your image (either downloaded from the web, scanned or photographed), register to the service and place your order. Within 24 hours your image file is redrawn and you get a confirmation e-mail to review the work and download the file. Your converted file is also archived for future downloads.

The service offered by Redrawit costs $29.99 per image.

Vector Magic

Vector Magic converts bitmap images like JPEGs, GIFs and PNGs into scalable vector in EPS, SVG, and PDF format.

The tool works with a drag and drop interface. You simply select the image you want to convert and move it onto the window program. Vector Magic automatically analyzes the image and converts it into a vector file you can paste directly to your document or image editor. You can also fine-tune the automatic process or even take every step manually for optimal results.

Vector Magic works either online, uploading an image directly via web, or offline by downloading a software to your computer (Windows and Mac). A single license (one user and two computer) costs $7.95/month plus $23.85 charged on each bill which is delivered every three months. The Desktop Edition is priced at $295. Trial version available.

Scan2CAD

Scan2CAD is a Windows-only software that helps you convert your scanned drawings (raster) into DXF files that can be edited in your PC CAD, CNC, GIS or favorite mapping program.

You can use Scan2CAD with drawings of all sizes and colors, i.e. monochrome (black / white), grayscale and color raster files. Scan2CAD runs on Windows 98, NT4, 2000, XP or Vista. A trial version is available on the site.

Scan2CAD is priced at $199 for the Regular version with limited options, and $329 for the Pro license with extended features like batch conversions, color vectorization, and integrated spell-check.

Inkscape

Inkscape is an open source vector graphics editor that is compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. Inkscape imports and works with many common graphics formats including JPEG, PNG and TIFF. Inkscape can export images as PNG and other vector-based graphics formats. If you use Inkscape with GIMP, the open source graphics editor, you can get the same capabilities found in their high-priced counterparts.

Inkscape uses the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format. Supported SVG features include shapes, paths, text, markers, clones, alpha blending, transforms, gradients, patterns and grouping. Inkscape also supports Creative Commons meta-data, node editing, layers, complex path operations, bitmap tracing, text-on-path, flowed text, direct XML editing and more. Price: Free.
http://www.inkscape.org/

I hope this is a useful and lasting reference for anyone needing to do effective bitmap to vector tracing. More applications are coming. In the meantime, if you know of others, please leave a comment.

Boris RED

Boris RED integrates 2D and 3D compositing, sophisticated titling, paint, rotoscoping, a suite of tools to create and extrude vector objects, 3D creation and animation. The Vector Trace tool enables the conversion from a raster bitmap image such as a tiff, jpeg or a frame from a movie file to a scalable vector graphic with the ability to extrude any of the resulting vector shapes. Images are converted into vector by selecting the Vector Trace tool and then dragging the tool over the image to be converted. Options for this function include the ability to select the color or alpha channel with which to base the conversion. Boris RED works borh with Windows and Mac. Price: USD $295 for upgrades; $795 for Boris users; and $995 for the full version.