So after shelling out big bucks for the full Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection, a few months later I find VectorMagic:  a free web application that turns a bitmap image into vector artwork.

Just upload your bitmap picture, click through some options, and download your image in EPS or SVG vector format.

Many times images I receive from clients were taken by their clients with a low resolution digital camera, or cell phone camera, or even video tape.  Trying to print one of these images 3-feet tall for a court trial presentation can be just plain impossible most of the time.  I experimented with Adobe Live Trace hoping a vector conversion may help, but wasn't happy with the results.

I have to admit, VectorMagic does a lot better job, but I don't think it's ready for the court room.  For now, I think it's best to stick with a projector presentation, and standard size paper prints.

Here's another example (you can click the pictures for hi-rez viewing, they will open in a new window).  Remember:  if you're in a pursuit, and go under the bridge with the big green sign "LAST U.S. EXIT", hit the brakes before you get to the barricades!

Try VectorMagic out for yourself: http://vectormagic.stanford.edu