Understanding specialist digitisation of oversized documents, plans, maps and drawings.
What is large format scanning?
Large format scanning is the capture of documents that are too large for conventional office scanners, including plans, maps, posters and engineering drawings.
Why should oversized records not be folded or cut?
Folding, trimming or forcing large records into unsuitable equipment can damage the original or remove information. National Archives guidance stresses the need for equipment large enough to support and capture the entire record.
What can be scanned?
Architectural drawings, engineering plans, maps, posters, diagrams, charts, estate plans and other oversized paper records can be suitable.
How are large documents handled?
The record should be fully supported and handled on an appropriately sized surface. Large or fragile items may require more than one person for safe handling.
Can large documents be OCR processed?
Some large documents containing suitable printed text can be OCR processed, but OCR may be less useful where the content is primarily drawings or handwritten annotations.
Can large-format files be supplied as PDFs?
Yes. Access PDFs can be created from the high-quality captured images where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A0 plans be scanned?
Yes, with suitable large-format equipment.
Can maps be digitised?
Yes. Maps are a common large-format digitisation application.
Can fragile large documents be scanned?
Yes, but the handling and capture method should be chosen according to condition rather than treating them as ordinary production documents.
Further Reading
Oxford Duplication Centre — Practical Expertise
Professional document digitisation depends on matching the capture method to the original. Modern loose documents may suit production scanning, while fragile, bound, oversized or unusual records need specialist handling and equipment. The aim is to create reliable digital records while protecting the original material.
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