SVG: simplify path to remove curves?

Question

I have a svg file which contains complex paths with bezier curves in it. I need to convert this path-data to use it for html map-area's, so I in fact I need just the coordinates (but for large curves, it would be very nice to have some coordinates 'between' the two end-points.

I tried Inkscape's simplify path function, but those paths still contain curves...

Is there any tool or formula to convert these curves into simple coordinates?

Maybe another Inkscape output-format that doesn't use curves in its coordinates?

Answer 1

In Inkscape:

• Select the Edit Path By Nodes tool (F2).
• Click on your path to select it
• Ctrl-A to select all the nodes in that path
• Click Make Selected Segments Lines (on the toolbar at the top - the icon is a straight diagonal line between two square nodes).

Answer 2

For automation, try the included Flatten Bezier extension in Inkscape. Description here.

Answer 3

There is more technical way to simplify SVG path - https://github.com/mattdesl/simplify-path

var path = [ [250, 150], [250, 150], [25, 25], [24, 25], [10, 10] ]
var tolerance = 10
path = simplify(path, tolerance)
//result:
//[ [ 250, 150 ], [ 25, 25 ], [ 10, 10 ] ]