Abstract: An automatic technique and an apparatus for digitizing of line graphics, letters, etc., which includes the following steps: The image information is obtained from scanning the master and is stored in digital form and thereafter converted into vector data. The vector image is subjected to a shape recognition program and image elements, such as straight lines, sharp and rounded corners, narrow, average and shallow curves, turning points and tangential points are identified. The image elements are subjected to a spline fit. From the spline curve, as many coordinate pairs are calculated as are needed for an adequate description for the contour line, and, following the rules for the IKARUS concept, a digitized version of the contour is generated.