Convert PNG image to SVG / Vector

Question

We are desperate to convert an image so that it can be used as an image map. Everything I have tried, really doesnt cut the mustard. I havent the experience to work at very high resolutions.. plus I dont know the terminology and neither have the skills or resources to invest in learning how to do this, knowing many others on here and the internet have far greater experience.

I have downloaded and played with Inkscape, but really am going round in circles...

So thought I would ask here.

What I am after is similar to Raphael Australia Map or David Lynchs, http://davidlynch.org/js/maphilight/docs/demo_usa.html

No frills, no effects, just change the state color of the map on hover and retain that event on click.

Here is what we have ...

What we have is a MAP like this.

We lost the original file, which was pure gray. I have this left :(

Anyway, we want it so that each state ( including the territory ACT ) not indicated on the above map, represented in pink #ec008c . On hover

Map needs to be FLAWLESS !! Also require that any imagery must be png and transparent bg.

Must remain exact size as above. Must be extremely accurate on svg coordinates, and optionally would like the STATE text to appear , like the QLD is shown on the image above, but not wholly necessary.

Can anyone point me in the right direction please.

Answer 1

I have obtained extraordinary results with https://vectormagic.com/ , which can be tried online.

Answer 2

try to use this tool, its the potrace part to trace pixelpictures in inkscape with many features. potrace traces pictures from commandline

Answer 3

Have you tried Path > Trace Bitmap in Inkscape? If you play with the settings you should be able to get a decent vectorised image.

Answer 4

Vectorised:

EPS:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13402937/Australia.eps

Adobe Illustrator:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13402937/Australia.ai