Large Format Scanning Services
Professional, high-resolution digitisation for maps, drawings and large media
Large format documents need more care than standard paper records. Items such as maps, posters, drawings, plans and newspapers are often fragile, oversized or difficult to handle. Because of this, they need the right scanning method and a careful approach.
Our Large Format Scanning Services are designed to protect these originals while creating high-quality digital copies. At BDM ArcScan, we scan documents up to A0+ in both colour and mono from our specialist digitisation studio. Every project is handled by an experienced team that understands how to work with delicate and valuable materials.
Preserve Originals and Improve Access
Digitisation helps protect large format originals from damage caused by repeated handling. Items such as maps, architectural plans, posters and historic drawings can quickly deteriorate when they are moved, unfolded or regularly consulted.
Creating a digital copy reduces the need to handle the original, helping to protect fragile materials from wear, tearing, fading and accidental damage.
Our Large Format Scanning Services support both preservation and access. Once digitised, files can be stored securely and accessed without needing to retrieve the physical item each time. This is especially useful for archives, libraries, estates, architects and surveyors who need regular access to important information.
Digital files are easier to search, easier to share with teams or researchers, and easier to use across different locations.
Whether you need to preserve rare archive material or improve access to large business records, BDM ArcScan provides a careful and professional service.
Large Format Scanning Services Using Specialist Equipment
Different large format documents need different scanning solutions. Some items are suitable for roll feed scanning, while others are too fragile, valuable or oversized for that method.
In these cases, a flatbed or overhead capture system may be the better option. The size, condition and format of the original will always determine the most suitable process.
For this reason, our Large Format Scanning Services use a range of specialist equipment, including roll feed scanners, large format flatbed scanners and overhead capture systems.
This allows us to digitise large format material safely and accurately while maintaining high image quality.
It also means we can work with a wide variety of items, including maps, posters, plans, engineering drawings, architectural records and archive material.
Searchable and Accessible Digital Files
Our Large Format Scanning Services do more than create high-quality digital images. We help turn large format documents into digital files that are easier to store, search and use.
This is particularly useful for maps, plans, drawings and posters, where quick access to information can improve efficiency and reduce handling of the original.
As part of our Large Format Scanning Services, we can supply files in formats suited to both preservation and day-to-day access. This includes high-resolution TIFF files for archival purposes and PDF files for simple viewing and sharing.
Where needed, we can also apply OCR and metadata tagging to help users search for key words, reference numbers and other important details.
This makes large format documents easier to manage, easier to retrieve and more useful as part of a digital collection.
Large Format Scanning for Archives, Estates and Professional Collections
Large format materials are often some of the most valuable items in a collection. They are also often the most difficult to store, handle and access. Archives, local authorities, architects, surveyors, museums, universities and private estates may all hold oversized documents with important historical, legal or operational value.
These documents can include land records, historical maps, design drawings and presentation artwork. Over time, frequent handling can lead to wear or damage, especially where items are fragile or regularly used.
Our Large Format Scanning Services help turn these materials into high-quality digital files that are easier to preserve, manage and share. Digitised large format documents can support research, improve workflows and make retrieval quicker and easier.
They also reduce the need to handle delicate originals. By creating clear and accurate digital copies, BDM ArcScan helps protect valuable information and keep it accessible for the future.
Your Trusted Partner for Large Format Digitisation
Our large format scanning services follow strict quality control procedures. We review images throughout the workflow to ensure completeness, clarity, and consistency. In addition, we verify file formats, OCR accuracy, and delivery specifications before completion.
BDM ArcScan combines specialist equipment with experienced expertise. Therefore, we deliver reliable, high-quality digital results that respect the structure and integrity of each item.
By choosing BDM ArcScan, you work with a trusted digitisation partner. We protect bound volumes, preserve valuable content, and deliver professional digital archives to the highest standards and quality.
Our large format scanning services can help transform
Maps and Cartographic Records
- Estate maps
- Ordnance Survey maps
- Town and city plans
- Land ownership maps
- Historical and archive maps
Architectural & Technical Drawings
- Architectural plans
- Elevations and sections
- Engineering drawings
- CAD plot outputs
- Construction record drawings
Posters, Artwork and Visual Material
- Posters
- Promotional displays
- Art prints
- Exhibition graphics
- Presentation boards
Oversized Collection Material
- Large format manuscripts
- Bound volume foldouts
- Newspapers and broadsheets
- Survey drawings
- Oversized reference sheets
Why choose BDM ArcScan and our Large Format Scanning Services?
Experience and Knowledge
BDM ArcScan has the experience and knowledge which understands the specialist care and requirements required within the libraries, archives and heritage sectors. This has been done through working within these sectors for over 25 years and developing key preservation strategies and processes.
Quality Digitisation
Our standard processes and techniques for scanning exceed our competitors. This includes using the highest DPI settings, helpful image enhancements and indexing/naming as standard and not as a costly option. This delivers our customer’s real value for money without any compromises.
Affordability and Value
We understand how important it is to improve the accessibility of our heritage. Digital transformation is key for the future ahead and BDM ArcScan wants all libraries, archives and heritage environments to benefit. This is why we create tailored project plans that offer the best value possible.
Cloud Accessibility
As well as being able to provide digital files on traditional media such as discs or hard drives, we also offer a completely secure cloud service for a low monthly cost. View, share and download files from anywhere at any time with no limit on storage space.
Care and Attention
With a schedule of condition completed for each project, we assess the condition of each item individually before any work is carried out. This ensures the item is correctly handled and the appropriate scanning resource is used to achieve the best quality results.
Technology and Innovation
Our digitisation studio is equipped with the latest in scanning and software technology. From professional heritage overhead and V-shaped book scanners to innovative flatbed and photo scanners, we can handle a variety of items safely and effectively to meet all requirements.
Speed and Efficiency
With our digitisation studio managed by our expert team, we can quickly implement and manage projects to meet critical time scales. With the ability to share completed files via our secure cloud, projects can be completed quickly without compromising on image quality or artefact care.