The computerized data-conversion process based on a paper or film map is an important stage of the digital mapping activity.

The success of this important stage is ensured by choosing software solutions able to perform a highly accurate, efficient and quick conversion of the data in digital format. The success is significantly influenced by the training level of the people involved in the conversion process and by the availability and quality of the base maps.

The graphical data resulted may be in the form of engineering designs or in form of polygons on certain distinct layers prepared for future processing. The data is fully linked to the geographical coordinate systems.
Once the conversion is over, depending on the hardware-software configuration used, the map may be represented as a whole or in form of independent map sheets. There may be represented various combinations of the information layers, totally or partially, using the preferred scale and projection.
Generating and viewing a digital-format map, as well as operating and displaying raster and vector data are key capabilities of the digital mapping systems. A map is a smaller size complex representation of reality, therefore it cannot be conceived as a simple drawing.