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Table 3 Classification of types of software on the market for generating indoor maps

From: Qualitative study of the incompatibility of indoor map file formats with location software applications

Categories of indoor map creation software

Software method (how building dimensions are determined)

Examples of software

Output format for indoor map data

2D scanning

Oversize scanner creates high resolution PDF

Shoreline records management

PDF or image file

Floor plan drawing

Software includes many drawing and scaling tools that can be used to create a digital copy of a blueprint

SketchUp, Floorplanner Pro, SoftPlan, Visio, AutoCAD

SketchUp outputs in CAD, KMZ/KML, Image files, COLLADA, 3DS, or PDF

General chart drawing

Software of this type includes few drawing tools that can be used to create a digital copy of a blueprint

LucidChart, ConceptDraw, Gliffy

LucidChart outputs map files in PDF, PNG, JPG, SVG (image or 2D vector formats)

Auto-draw

User carries mobile device and walks around building interior, holding the device near walls to measure the distance.

Locometric, MagicPlan

Locometric outputs image files for no charge, but users can pay to get output in other formats. MagicPlan outputs maps in JPG, PDF, PNG, SVG, DFX or XML

3D laser scanning

3D laser scanners measure the amount of time it takes for the laser beam to hit a surface and return

InnerSpace, Trimble Indoor Mapping, or GeoSLAM, CARMEN

3D point cloud (requires software to convert image to a map)

Software as a service

Paper or raster file of a floor plan is sent to company to convert to a digital vector format

Indrz, Micello, Cartogram, NavVis

Different format depending upon vendor. Micello: GeoJSON, SHP, PNG, SVG; Navvis: Pointcloud