Convert non-Bezier paths to Bezier

[Dorn25757863nqry]

This may be a very simple question, forgive me if I am a dolt. Is there a way to convert a large number of non-Bezier paths into Bezier paths? I have many long paths representing streams, imported from GIS data (I'm using MAPublisher, an Illustrator plug-in) and I would like to turn those paths into Bezier curved paths. Is there a function that allows me to convert to curves easily?

[Kurt Gold]

Can you share a sample file?

[Dorn25757863nqry]

Sure, here's a really simple map that is actually layered over some aerial imagery. I'd just like the freedom to convert the contour lines and stream to curves for aesthetic purposes and ease of editing. I use some orienteering cartography software that easily does this and wonder why it may not be available in Illustrator.

[Dorn25757863nqry]

I'm haing trouble attaching the AI file

[Monika Gause]

You could upload it to Dropbox or the like. Or (if saved PDF compatible) rename it to .PDF

[Met1]

Without seeing it's hard to be specific but could you select all the anchor points, convert to smooth (then maybe use Simplify)?

[Dorn25757863nqry]

Sorry for the delay, I got called into a meeting:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ycw1ul4k6tt68hq/WalkingMap1.ai?dl=0

[Monika Gause]

Thank you. So the trouble is that some anchors are pretty dense, so converting them to smooth or using the round corner widget won't get you far.

You could try the Simplify - Object > Path > Simplify - Maybe this can help with reducing the number of points (and also with rounding them)

If that does not help, try the already mentioned VectorScribe (which is a paid plugin)

[Dorn25757863nqry]

Yep, GNSS/GPS data is generally very dense. I've already looked into the VectorScribe and will pursue that. Thanks for all of the help. 

[Met1]

I just did what I said earlier and it looks fine to me, but then again I don't know what result you are looking for...

[Mylenium]

There's a smart path rebuilding tool in Astute Graphics VectorScribe. Perhaps that's the way to go.

Mylenium