Merge complex shapes from transparency

hello. using illustrator 16.0.1.

 

i have extracted svg model pdf map, leaves me lot of complex shapes not optimised.

for example, these shapes composed of lot of unneeded sub shapes.

when trying merge them via pathfinder > merge, :

is there way clean shapes transparency, smallest possible amount of points?

thanks help.

there not single solution such instances of common problem, because exact thing depends on specific paths involved.

 

this occurs when original paths not accurately abut each other. of unwanted paths can subpaths of compound paths; others may whilte-filled paths.

 

you have try other path operations, watch unwanted results, , try understand kinds of paths have go.

 

examples:

 

• shiftclicking wanted fills white pointer deselect them, deleting remaining selection may work on sections (but may inadvertently delete paths want keep).

 

• releasing compound paths, applying add (union) pathfinder may work areas (but may inadvertently remove subpaths need stay).

 

• ungrouping area, shiftclicking deselect desired parts, deleting remains selected.

 

• drawing path around , in front of unwanted "inner" paths, unioning larger wanted path.

 

• use lasso tool draw selection marquee around unwanted "inner" paths , delete. (the lasso can draw around unwanted deadwood without selecting fill mousedown on.

 

• object>path>cleanup can remove so-called "unpainted" paths (paths fill , stroke of none).

 

 

 

 

• some of unwanted segments not separate objects, "cuts" coming inward outlines of desired paths. click delete anchorpoint tool.

 

and on....but pay attention have done each step. pdf content notoriously full of convoluted constructs nested clipping paths , other unpainted objects. keep eye on appearance palette aware of kind of object(s) have selected.

 

jet

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