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📄 Pdf Extract QGIS Plugin

Pdf Extract is a QGIS plugin that extracts vector data and text from PDF files and converts them to multiple vector formats including DXF, Shapefile, and GeoJSON. It uses PyMuPDF (fitz) to read PDF content and ezdxf to generate DXF files. The plugin supports multi-page PDFs and offers options to extract geometry and text separately, making it suitable for converting PDF maps or drawings into editable GIS layers.

✨ Features​

  • Vector Conversion: Converts PDF vector graphics (lines, curves, polygons) into editable vector formats including DXF, Shapefile, and GeoJSON.
  • Text Extraction: Extracts text from PDF files and converts them into DXF MTEXT entities or vector text layers in Shapefile/GeoJSON, preserving position and size.
  • Layer Separation: Automatically organizes output into distinct layers or files:
    • Geometry layers contain vector shapes (lines, curves, rectangles).
    • Text layers contain all text elements (labels and annotations).
  • Multi-page Support: Handles multi-page PDFs by generating separate files for each page and content type. For example:
    • output_p1_geom.dxf / .shp / .geojson for page 1 geometry
    • output_p1_text.dxf / .shp / .geojson for page 1 text
  • Output Formats: Supports exporting to DXF, Shapefile, and GeoJSON formats.
  • Automated Loading: Option to automatically load the generated output files into the current QGIS project.

⚙️ Installation​

Prerequisites​

The plugin relies on two Python libraries, which are automatically installed by qpip:

  • pymupdf (fitz)
  • ezdxf

Installation Steps​

  1. Install PdfExtract Plugin:

    • Download the plugin zip file (PdfExtract.zip).
    • Go to Plugins > Manage and Install Plugins....
    • Select Install from Zip.
    • Browse to the PdfExtract.zip file and click Install Plugin.
    • Note: If qpip is not installed, QGIS will prompt you to install it automatically. Click Yes to install qpip.

  2. Install Dependencies (Automatic):

    • Restart QGIS completely.
    • Upon restart, the qpip plugin will automatically detect the requirements.txt file in the plugin directory.
    • It will download and install the required libraries (pymupdf, ezdxf).
    • If prompted, confirm the installation.

  3. Verify Installation:

    • Once QGIS is open, the plugin should be ready to use.

🧭 Usage Guide​

💬 Using the Dialog Interface​

  1. Open the Pdf Extract dialog from the QGIS main window via toolbar or menu.

  2. In the Input tab:

    • Click Browse... to select the PDF file.
    • Click Browse... to select the output folder.
    • Select the output format from the dropdown: Shapefile (.shp), GeoJSON (.geojson), or DXF (.dxf).
    • Optionally, check Load results into QGIS to load outputs automatically.

  3. In the Advanced tab:

    • Choose to process All pages or specify a Page Range by entering the start and end page numbers. Selecting a page range allows you to convert only specific pages from the PDF.
    • Select the content to extract:
      • Geometry: Extracts vector shapes such as lines, curves, and rectangles from the PDF.
      • Text: Extracts text elements including labels and annotations.
      • Both: Extracts both geometry and text for comprehensive conversion.

  4. Click Convert ▶️ to start processing.

    • The progress bar displays the current status.
    • A confirmation message appears upon completion showing how many layers were loaded.

⚙️ Running the Algorithm Directly​

  1. Open the QGIS Processing Toolbox.

  2. Search for Pdf Extract.

  3. Configure the algorithm parameters:

    • Input PDF file path.
    • Output format (Shapefile or GeoJSON or DXF).
    • Output base path.
    • Option to load output into the project.

  4. Run the algorithm to process the PDF and generate vector output layers.

🐞 Troubleshooting​

"Missing dependencies" Error

If you see an error about missing pymupdf or ezdxf, ensure that the qpip plugin is installed and active. Restart QGIS to allow qpip to detect and install the missing packages.

Text not appearing​

  • Ensure the PDF actually contains text objects and not just images of text. You can verify this by trying to select text in a PDF viewer.
  • Check the PDF_TEXT layer or equivalent text layer in QGIS or your CAD software.

Distorted Geometry or Missing Features​

  • The converter supports standard PDF vector commands. Complex clipping paths, transparency groups, or unusual drawing commands might be simplified or ignored.
  • DXF output depends on ezdxf and its support capabilities.

Output Files Not Found or Not Loading​

  • Check the output folder path and file naming.
  • Confirm that the supported output formats are DXF, Shapefile, and GeoJSON.
  • Ensure output layers are loaded if the "Load results into QGIS" option is enabled.

🕵️‍♂️ Technical Details​

  • Coordinate System: PDF coordinates have their origin at the top-left with Y axis increasing downward. The plugin transforms these to GIS-compatible coordinates by flipping the Y axis to origin at bottom-left.
  • Units: The conversion preserves PDF point units (1/72 inch). Scale adjustments may be needed in QGIS based on your project's Coordinate Reference System (CRS).
  • Output File Naming: For multi-page PDFs, separate output files are created per page and content type with names like:
    • output_p1_geom.dxf / .shp / .geojson — Geometry layer for page 1
    • output_p1_text.dxf / .shp / .geojson — Text layer for page 1
  • Layer Separation: The plugin creates separate layers for geometry (lines, curves, rectangles) and text (labels, annotations) to aid editing and styling in GIS software.
  • Supported Output Formats: DXF (via ezdxf), Shapefile, and GeoJSON are supported as export formats.