Transferring Vector Map Coordinates Directly to a Raster Map - 2023

To transfer the coordinates automatically from a vector map to a raster image, you need a vector map of the same image. Then, you display the vector map side by side in the Image Registration dialog box, which shows a preview of the raster image. Click a prominent feature in the vector map to determine its coordinates and transfer this control point to the Image Registration dialog box.

To transfer a vector map's coordinates to a raster image:

1. On the HOME tab, in the File group, on the Open list, click Table to open the Open dialog box. Select the Raster Image file format.
2. Choose the raster image file and click Open. The Display/Register dialog box displays.
3. Click Register. The Image Registration dialog box displays. A preview of the raster image appears in the lower half of the dialog box.
4. Choose the Projection button to specify the image's projection. If you do not set the projection, MapInfo Pro defaults to Longitude/Latitude or to the default table projection set in the Map Window Preferences.
5. To add control points, click the Add button to add a control point entry to the Control Points list.
6. Click the Pick from Map button and select a location in the Map window that matches a location in your raster image. MapInfo Pro updates the Map X and Map Y fields in the Edit Control Point dialog box with the new coordinates. Click OK to save this entry and close the dialog box.
   Note: When the Pick from Map button is disabled, you can select locations directly from the open map. If a map is not open, you can select another command (like the Select command) and use that command instead of the Pick from Map functionality.
7. Highlight the entry in the Control Points list and click the matching control point location in the image pane. The Edit Control Point dialog box displays showing the control point's location in pixels in the Image X and Image Y fields. Click OK to save these entries.
   Note: Remember to type a meaningful description of this location in the Label field.
8. Repeat this process until you have identified three or four non-linear points in the preview pane of the Image Registration dialog box.
9. After you have defined all of the control points, click OK in the Image Registration dialog box. The raster image displays in the Map window under the vector layer.

   Use the Layer Control feature to position the raster map appropriately with your vector layers.

Raster Image Registration Error Value

After you register the image, the Image Registration dialog box may display an error value in pixels for a control point. This value is the difference between the control point location on the image and the X and Y coordinates you specified in the Add Control Point dialog box. It is important to keep the error value as small as possible. A large error value will cause the raster image to line up improperly with the vector overlays. Make sure that you are as precise as possible with your control point choices. You should display your image using a high resolution for best results. You can add more control points to improve the registration.

To add more control points to improve the registration:

1. On the TABLE tab, in the Maintenance group, click Raster , and Modify Image Registration.
2. Choose the Add button from the Image Registration dialog box and choose another point.
3. Click Pick from Map to select an equivalent point in the Map window and to transfer the coordinates to the Registration dialog box. We recommend adding points near the center of the raster image and in areas where the match is the poorest.
4. Click OK to save the new control points.

You can use an optional large crosshair in the Raster Image Registration window, which enables you to select points with which to register the raster image more accurately. As in the regular interface, press the C key while the Raster Image Registration dialog box is displayed to display the large crosshair instead of a cursor. The resulting dialog box shows the raster image and allows you to choose points with your cursor. Press C once to enable the large crosshairs. Press C again to disable the crosshairs and restore the regular small cross cursor.