Is there an efficient way to produce geometry from point data using QGIS?
Each point represents a feature that may require one or more geometric primitives such as circles, curves or polylines (open or closed) to represent it.
Please note that while CAD is the best tool for creating geometry I am seeking alternative methods of achieving this using QGIS without using CAD. However the final QGIS geometry needs to be exportable to CAD in a usable format.
The goal is to produce database linked maps within QGIS but be capable of supplying useful CAD geometry to clients if they request it.
Options explored so far:
Vector > Geoprocessing Tools > BufferThis option is a good start that can approximate circles, however the geometry is segmented and when exported to CAD (using DXF) it is interpreted as hatching. Hatching requires additional processing within CAD to produce usable geometry and being restricted to segmented circles also creates problems. This approach is less efficient than programmatically creating geometry within CAD from raw point data.
I'm barely scratching the surface here as there is a lot to learn. If this is the best option then any advice on how to go about it is very helpful.
Edit: This question has been rewritten to clarify the goals and outline what has been explored.
Best Answer
The Shape Tools plugin does that job.
But knowing that what can be created in QGIS are always lines or straight side polygons.