Learn about GIS File Formats and APIs that can open and create GIS files on aspose.info

USR File Format - Lowrance GPS Data File

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is a USR file?

The “.usr” file extension is also related to Lowrance GPS devices. In particular, it is used for storing GPS data in a format known as “User Data Format” (USR format) which is used by Lowrance GPS devices.

When using a Lowrance GPS unit, you can save your waypoints, tracks, and routes as “.usr” files. These files typically contain information such as latitude, longitude, altitude, timestamp, and other data related to your GPS activities.

LAS - Lidar LASer File Format

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is a LAS File?

The LAS (Lidar LASer) file format is a binary file format specifically designed for storing lidar point cloud data. It was developed and is maintained by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) as a standardized format for lidar data exchange and interoperability.

LAS files store detailed information about individual lidar points, including their 3D coordinates (x, y, and z), intensity values, classification codes, and additional attributes. The format supports both discrete return and full waveform lidar data, allowing for the storage of multiple returns per laser pulse.

LAZ - Compressed LIDAR Data Exchange File

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is a LAZ File?

The LAZ file format is a compressed version of the LAS (Lidar LASer) file format, which is specifically designed for storing lidar point cloud data. LAZ files retain the same data and structure as LAS files but employ lossless compression techniques to reduce file size while preserving the original data fidelity.

LAZ File Format - Brief History

TThe LAZ file format was developed to address the growing demand for efficient storage and transmission of large lidar datasets. By compressing LAS files, LAZ files significantly reduce their size, making them easier to manage and transfer. The compression is achieved by employing a combination of different algorithms, such as entropy coding and variable-length encoding, to represent lidar point attributes in a more compact form.

CSF File - GeoMedia Coordinate System File Format

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is an CSF file?

A CSF file is a Coordinate System File that contains information about the coordinate system of a GIS file. It is used by Intergraph’s GeoMedia software to define the parameters of a particular coordinate system. These include information parameters such as datum, projection, and units of measurement. This information is used to produce maps for the output data that does not have a coordinate system in place. This information is used by GeoMedia to correctly display and manipulate geographic data in the correct coordinate system.

LAN File - ERDAS LAN File Format

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is an LAN file?

A file with .lan extension is a raster GIS file used by the older versions of ERDAS software application. It is also used by other GIS applications and serves the purpose to store and display satellite and aerial imagery. In addition, it can also store other types of raster data. An ERDAS LAN file may also contain additional information specific to ERDAS such as geo-referencing and layers information.

DIX File - DIVA-GIS Export File Format

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is a DIX file?

A DIX file is a proprietary file format created with DIVA-GIS geographic data analysis program. It consists of a DIVA-GIS project (.div) file and other GIS data layers referenced by the project. DIX files can be exported from within DIVA-GIS and can be shared with other users who can import these into DIVA. You can also use DIX files to store all the relevant files related to a project in one location.

MSD File - Map Service Definition File Format

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is an MSD file?

An MSD file is a Map Service Distribution file created with the GIS mapping software ArcGIS Desktop. It contains the published map exported from a .mxd map file. An MSD file contains information about a map service that is hosted on the ArcGIS Server. The hosted map is accessible over the internet for others. MSD file has the map document, layer information and table properties.

3DC File - iGO 3D Building File

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is a 3DC file?

A 3DC file is a GPS data file used by the GPS navigation software application, iGO. It contains 3D building data information along with metadata for application display. 3DC files are saved to the memory card of the navigation unit and are mostly stored to the \iGO\content\building\ directory.

iGO software is used for navigation purposes. It gets user’s location information using GPS devices and helps in navigation using 3D maps and routes. It is available for Android, iOS, and other popular handheld devices. In addition to its navigation features, iGO software also provides offline storage of maps in case users find it difficult to connect to the internet for real-time map data.

AXE File - AutoRoute Map File Format

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is an AXE file?

An AXE file is a GIS file format created with Microsoft AutoRoute routing application. It contains location information for Points of Interest (POI) on the map and other navigation data. These POIs are easy to navigate and could be added to journey as part of the route. AutoRoute was developed to give routes information for navigating roads, motorways through Europe.

HDR File- ESRI BIL Header File Format

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is a HDR file?

An HDR file is a GIS header file that contains header information for a Band interleaved by line (.BIL) file. It describes the image data and has the same name as that of the image file. An HDR file comprises of a set of entries, each of which describes a particular attribute of the image. The HDR file describes the layout and formatting of the BIL file for translation to real world coordinates in combination with a separate georeferencing file.

MID File - MapInfo Interchange File Format

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is an MID file?

A MID file in GIS files category is a GIS data file generated with MapInfo spatial data analysis and visualization software. It is usually created alongside the corresponding MapInfo Interchange Format (MIF) file and has the same name. MID files store large data sets that contain attribute information for the objects in the map and is imported in the object’s attributes.

MIF File - MapInfo Interchange File Format

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is a MIF file?

A MIF (MapInfo Interchange Format) file is a map file used by MapInfo software that is used for mapping and geographic analysis. It contains GIS elements including areas, curves and points and the associated information with these such as color, thickness, and style. MIF files are used to exchange data between GIS applications.

MIF file format is supported by TatukGIS Viewer and by FME software.

CXF File - Coordinates Export Format

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is an CXF file?

A CXF file is a GIS file saved in the Coordinates eXport Format (CXF), developed by HeightMap.org. It contains vector image data in an organized way and can comprise of GIS data or vector graphics, such as drawings.

CXF File Format - More Information

CXF file is saved as plain text file and contains vector map (VMAP) coordinates for representation of geographic locations. Some of the vector map data that a CXF file can include terrain data, topographical information, landmarks, and buildings. CXF files can be exported to several different GIS file formats such as .AI, .XAML, .SVG, .EMF, .KML, and HTML5 formats.

OSC - OpenStreetMap Change File Format

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is an OSC file?

An OSC file is a Change File Format that is contains modified street map data for an existing .osm street map. It contains information about the changes to be incurred to the OSM file. OSC file can have three possible types of modification operations on OSM data i.e. insert, modify, or delete. These change files are commonly used to export data out of OSM editor and import to another editor.

PMF File - ESRI Published Map File Format

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What is a PMF file?

A PMF file is a read-only map file generated with ArcMap. You can say it is a shorter version of MXD file format that has limited information to be shared with users who doesn’t have a paid version of ArcGIS software. This lets sharing of geographic information with others while at the same time. PMF files can be shared with other users via email due to their small sizes as a result of constrained information they contain.

GSM File- MapViewer Project File Format

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a GSM file?

A GSM file is a project file created with MapViewer software that is used for spatial analysis and creating geographic maps. It is a map settings file that stores configuration information related to the visualization settings of maps such as text labels, colors, legend, and referenced data files.

GSM File Format

GSM files are saved in binary file format and its internal file structure details are not available publicly for developer’s reference. MapViewer software comes with sample GSM files and some DAT files that are used to create further GSM files.

GST File- MapInfo Geoset File Format

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a GST file?

A GST file is a GIS map file format that contains geographic data and visual map of a mapped area. It is used by the MapX (developed by UNEP/GRID-Geneva and UNEP for managing geospatial data on natural resources) and MapXtreme mapping software (a software development toolkit used to build custom GIS applications) that are online platforms for managing geospatial data on natural resources. A GST file contains geographic information in the form numeric as well as raster images that are overlayed on the map.

PTM File - MapPoint Map File Format

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a PTM file?

A PTM file is a map file used by the MapPoint mapping software developed by Microsoft which is discontinued by now. It contains maps data extracted from Microsoft’s Terra Server. The maps information contains data related to business travel routes and territories. MapPoint was later replaced by Bing maps. Other files used in conjunction with PTM files include MPP (MapPoint Map), WPT (MapPoint Waypoint), and RTE (MapPoint Route).

MPK File - ArcGIS Map Package File Format

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is an MPK file?

An MPK file is an ArcGIS Map package file that is created with ArcGIS. It contains a .mxd map document and related data. In addition, it contains additional information such as referenced layers, symbols, and other resources. MPK file is used to share maps and data with other users. This eliminates the availability of others having the original data source and also helps to distribute maps to be used on a mobile device.

MXD File - ArcGIS Map Document File Format

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is an MXD file?

An MXD file is a Map Document file used by ESRI ArcMap software. It is a proprietary file format that stores different type of information such as the layout and design of maps, data used to generate maps and the symbology applied to the data. MXD file is, thus, a compound file format that contains several different type of map elements in a single file. MXD files is used by the ArcGIS Map Package (.mpk) file.

NMC - Navitel Map File

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is an NMC file?

An NMC file is a map package content file created with ESRI ArcGIS Explorer software. It can store various elements of a map such as image overlays, GIS service layers, KML layers, raster layers, features and other packages. NCM files are used to export maps data that can be used in other GIS maps that are open in ArcGIS Explorer. This lets multiple maps overlayed over each other and displayed.

DT0 File - DTED Level 0 File Format

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a DT0 file?

A DT0 file is a Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) file that contains Level 0 information to study terrain elevation data. Elevation data is uniformly spaced in a DT0 file and can be read by popular GIS programs such as ESRI ArcGIS Pro, TatukGIS, Blue Marble Geographic Global Mapper, and Pitney Bowes MapInfo. DT0 files are mostly used by scientific and technical communities to study the slope, elevation, and surface roughness of global terrains.

DT1 File - DTED Level 1 File Format

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a DT1 file?

A DT1 file is a Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) file that contains terrain data uniformly spaced. It is mainly used by military GIS software applications to get elevation, slope, and surface contour data. DT1 file is similar to DT0 and DT2 but with medium granularity of information.

DT1 files can be opened with GIS applications such as ESRI ArcGIS Pro, TatukGIS, Blue Marble Geographic Global Mapper, and Pitney Bowes MapInfo.

DT2 File - DTED Level 2 File Format

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a DT2 file?

A DT2 file is an elevation file that represents Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) file. It contains elevation data in uniformly spaced patterns. The elevation data can be read by GIS software programs and finds its applications in different areas such as military, scientific, and other communities.

GIS applications that can open DT2 files include ESRI ArcGIS Pro, TatukGIS, Blue Marble Geographic Global Mapper, and Pitney Bowes MapInfo. Other variants of DTED file types are DT0 and DT1.

MXT File - ArcGIS Map Template File Format

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is an MXT file?

An MXT file is a geographical map template created with the GIS mapping application, ArcMap that comes as part of ESRI ArcGIS Desktop. It is used to store basemap layers or page layouts that can be reused to create more maps. Using templates saves you time as you don’t have to reproduce the common parts of the maps. MXT files can be shared with other users/organizations to get to quickly build other maps.

AVL - ArcView Legend File

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is an AVL file?

An AVL file is a legend file that contains a key for a map generated with ESRI ArcView GIS (Geographic Information System) software. It contains reference symbology information used in the corresponding map for access. An AVL file can contain more information such as Symbology, Display settings, such as transparency, Scale dependent display properties, joined table/related table information, Definition query, labelling properties for feature layers, and Annotation display properties for annotation layers depending on the type kind of layer.

BT File - Binary Terrain File Format

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is an BT file?

Binary Terrain (BT) is a GIS file format used to store digital elevation data of a terrain. It is a binary file format that stores data in a compact and efficient way. BT file format is used to store large amounts of elevation data that can be used in a variety of applications such as GIS, video games, simulations, and other applications that require detailed terrain information. The data stored in a BT file typically includes the elevation of each point on the terrain, as well as other information such as the slope and aspect of the terrain.

WLX File- MapSource Web Link File Format

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a WLX file?

A WLX file is a GIS file created by the MapSource software that comes with the Garmin map products. It contains a Geographic location (in the form of latitude-longitude) in XML format and a world location to a mapping website such as Google Maps or Bing maps. WLX file acts as a shortcut link and opens the stored location in third-party websites at recorded latitude-longitude position.

WOR File- MapInfo Workspace File Format

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a WOR file?

A WOR file is a GIS file used by MapInfo mapping and geographic analysis software. It contains a geographic area that contains a visual map having data about geospatial features such as population and demographic information. You can load a WOR file in MapInfo software to view it and perform different operations on it such as zooming and panning.

WOR File Format

WOR files comprise of multiple layers that are rendered in a specific order when loaded in MapInfo. Details about WOR file format are not available publicly for developer’s reference. WOR files can be converted to QGIS with QGIS 3.20 Odense.

3DL File - iGO Landmark File Format

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a 3DL file?

A 3DL file is an iGO Landmark file used by the iGO navigation software. It stores location information for points of interest (POIs) and landmarks. This information can include the name, location, and other details about the POI or landmark. The iGO Landmark file format is proprietary and is only used by the iGO navigation software. 3DL files may be used in conjunction with map data files to provide navigation guidance to users.

GMAP File Format - Garmin Map File

Sun, 08 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a GMAP file?

A GMAP file is a GIS file that contains a combination of specific regions of the world. It was used by some Garmin devices. The map combinations can comprise of different regions that need not necessarily be contiguous. Garmin devices used to store these map files in the embedded memory. However, newer Garmin devices support mass storage mode that appears similar to a normal USB storage device. GMAP files can be opened with Garmin BaseCamp and MapInstall software on PC and Mac software.

FIT File Format- Garmin Activity File

Fri, 06 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a FIT file?

An FIT file is a GIS file created by Garmin sports wearable devices. It is used to record the activities of the person when he/she moves wearing these devices. The activity data includes location and time as recorded by the GPS device. FIT files are also used to transfer the recorded activity data using web APIs. That is the reason FIT files are the most commonly used file format for sharing fitness data with other fitness platforms. Other common file formats include GPX, TCX, and KML.

FMW File - FME Workbench File Format

Fri, 06 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a FMW file?

An FMW file is a project file created with FME Workbench software (comes as part of FME Desktop suite) that is used for spatial data transformation. It contains user defined settings used for spatial data manipulation such as input data sets, translation properties, projections, and output settings. The spatial data manipulation settings are stored as a visual layout and are easy to be edited and saved again.

TCX File Format- Training Center XML File

Fri, 06 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a TCX file?

A TCX (Training Center XML) file is a data exchange format used to share data between fitness devices. It was introduced in 2008 with Garmin’s Training Center product. Workout data such as heart rate, running cadence, bicycle cadence, calories, and lap time is stored in XML format inside the TCX file. In addition, summary data about the workout track is also included in the TCX file. TCX files are similar to FIT files that are created with Garmin sports wearable devices.

TFRD File - Tape Image Format Requirements Document File

Fri, 06 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a TFRD file?

A TFRD file is an imaging data format used by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) to store geospatial data. NGA provides geospatial intelligence that gives advantage in making decisions. TFRD files can store both image and textual data and can be used by GIS applications to render geospatial data.

TFRD File Format

The internal file format details of TFRD file format are not known. They are, however, saved as compressed files to disc and the compression ratio is greater than the equivalent NITF file format files.

MPS File Format - Pocket Streets Map File

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is an MPS file?

An MPS file is a map file that is used on portable Pocket PC handheld devices. It contains Geographical information about a certain area such as a city or a state. It can be loaded in Pocket PC devices for navigation without the need of fetching LIVE data from any geospatial data server. The MPS file format was developed by Microsoft for Windows based handheld devices and was used in its MapPoint GIS application which has been discontinued long ago now.

3D - Survex 3D Cavern File

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a 3D file?

A file with .3d extension is a GIS file that contains data about the cave system that can be visualized with the Survex software. It is created with all the information related to cave systems that can be used for rendering this geographic information file using software such as Aven. Survex is a free open source software used for mapping caves and can be run on a variety of platforms such as macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows.

3DD - ArcGlobe Document

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a 3DD file?

A file with .3dd extension is a GIS data file created with ESRI ArcGlobe application software. It stores information to paths where the 3D data is located in the form of geodatabase. When a document is opened using the .3dd file, it will appear in the same shape as it was saved. ArcGlobe is a 3D visualization application that allows you to view large amounts of GIS data on a globe surface. ArcGlobe is one of the several applications that come binded together with ArcGIS software package.

ADF - ESRI ArcInfo Binary Grid Format

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a ADF file?

A file with .adf extension is a raster data file format used by ESRI software applications such as ArcGIS, ArcView, and ArcInfo. Spatial data is stored as a binary grid that is native to ESRI. The grid is made up of rows and columns of cells that can be integer as well as floating point. Integer grids in an ADF file represent discrete data and floating-point grids represent continuous data. Another popular ESRI file format is SHP file that represents Geospatial information in the form of vector data to be used by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications.

APL - ArcPad Layer File

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an APL file?

A file with .apl extension is a Map layer file used by ESRI ArcPad application software. It contains information about a subset of map layer properties for an exported ArcGIS map. It is used by field-based personnel to capture, analyze and display geographic information in the form of raster and vector images. It includes symbology for displaying features, scales, and label expressions for the map layer.APL files can be opened with ArcPad Pro on hand held devices used in the field work.

APR - ArcView Project File

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an APR file?

A file with .apr extension is an ESRI ArcView project file that contains project information for an ESRI project. These were used by ArcView 3.x and are not supported by the new (9.x and 10.x) versions of ArcGIS. ArcView 10 can, however, import APR files. ArcView is a Geographical Information System (GIS) that is used for creating, visualizing, analyzing, and managing geographic data. There are other file formats that are used by ESRI for storing data such as the popular ESRI ShapeFile (.shp). APR files can be opened with any text editor such as Microsoft Notepad and Notepad++.

GLB - STK Globe File

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a GLB file?

A file with .glb extension is a globally sharable file generated and used by the AGI Systems Tool Kit (STK) software. It contains 3D globe information that can be shared with other users to be used in their projects. AGI systems’ STK software is used to simulate aerospace missions, defense systems, and telecommunication systems. GLB is the standard file format for STK and many different 3D models such as .gltf can be converted to this format. GLB files can be opened with AGI Simulation Toolkit software as well as any text editor.

IMG - Garmin Map File

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an IMG file?

A file with .img extension is a Garmin Map File that is used by Garmin GPS devices. It contains map/geospatial data for representing map entities such as street names, navigation routes, and points of interest. Users can create customized map data, save it as .img file and load it onto Garmin devices. Garmin alos provides pre-installed map data that is stored on Garmin devices in the IMG file format. IMG files cna be opened using applications such as Garmin Mobile PC, cGPSmapper, MapUpload and GPS Map Manager.

ATX - ArcGIS Attribute Index File

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a ATX file?

A file with .atx extension is an ESRI ArcGIS file that stores ArcGIS 8 attribute indexes. There is a separate ATX file for each shapefile or dBase attribute index created in ArcCatalog. It is to be noted that ArcView GIS 3.x attribute indexes for shapefiles and dBase files are not used by ArcMap or ArcCatalog. However, these ArcView GIS 3.x attribute indexes can be converted to ArcGIS 8 attribute indexes using an ArcObjects tool.

AUX - Auxiliary File

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an AUX file?

A file with .aux extension is an Auxiliary file that contains geospatial data for the accompanied raster data files in .JPG or GeoTIFF .TIFF files. Since the raster files can’t hold such information, AUX files are used to store the additional information in the form of associated data. These are usually stored in the same directory with the same file name as the corresponding raster file name. AUX files are used generally by geospatial applications such as ESRI ArcGIS Desktop and ERDAS IMAGINE.

DEM - Digital Elevation Model File

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a DEM file?

A file with .dem extension is a mapping file that represents elevation (height) data as terrain in 3D computer graphics. Common example of such data is the terrain of earth that includes mountains, plain land, and sea depths. DEM files are commonly used by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to produce digital elevation maps. Information stored in DEM files also includes large-scale topographic relief information that is used in earth sciences, resource management, land planning, surveying, and engineering projects. Information about land XYZ is placed at regular grid-spaced intervals for ground relief representation.

DIV - DIVA-GIS Project File

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a DIV file?

A file with .div extension is a project file created with DIVA-GIS software when a new mapping project is created and saved. DIVA-GIS is a mapping software that is used to create spatial maps and geographic data analysis applications. The project file consists of a map image and layers that are used to display the objects and properties on the map. In addition to the spatial information, it also stores information about the map’s scale and the center.

EMBR - Spatial Geodatabase File Format

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an EMBR file?

An EMBR file is a GIS file that was developed and used by the GEOREID Pty Ltd. It contains geospatial data such as calculated length and volumes at any specific point. EMBR file format stores this statistical data in plain text format that can be opened in a text editor for viewing and editing. GIS systems store geological information with reference to any lat-long point which represents the absolution position on earth.

ETA - Google Earth Placemark File

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an ETA file?

A file with .eta extension is a Google Earth Placemark file that is created with Google Earth software. It contains bookmarks/marker information for a location in the world using parameters such as latitude, longitude, rotation, zoom, and title. This enables users to have a bird-eye view of the location. With the introduction of the new file formats i.e. .kml and .kmz, the ETA file format was phased out and was replaced with these new file formats. ETA files can be opened in Google Earth software that is available for download free of cost.

NM2 - Navitel Map File

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an NM2 file?

A file with .nm2 extension is a map file created with Navitel navigation system. It stores geospatial data related to different map entities such as roads, streets, road lanes, point on the map, landmarks and other GPS data. NM2 files can be opened using Navitel software on different type of devices such as Android phones, iOS devices, Windows Phone, and Symbian devices. These apps are freely available and can be downloaded and installed on respective devices.

SAF File - Street Atlas USA Map File Format

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an SAF file?

A SAF file is a GIS file format used by the Street Atlas USA map software which allows users to view and navigate street maps of the United States. It is used to store map data such as detailed information about the roads, highways, and points of interest in a specific geographic area. SAF files can be used to plan routes, locate addresses, and perform other tasks related to navigating and exploring the region.

SBN - ESRI Spatial Index Binary File

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an SBN file?

A file with .sbn extension is a spatial index file that comes associated with the ESRI ArcGIS .shp file. It is used to optimize spatial queries when an index has been performed on the data. The other file type used alongside .sbn is .sbx file. The SBN and SBX files together make up a shape index to speed up spatial queries. SBN files are optional and can be opened with ESRI ArcGIS Pro.

SDF File - Spatial Data Format File

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an SDF file?

A Spatial Data File (SDF) is a Geodatabase file format that was developed by Autodesk. It stores geospatial data and is used by Autodesk GIS program MapGuide and AutoCAD Map 3D. SDF file format is based on the single file database file format SQLite3. It is considered as an optimized file format for large datasets of spatial information.

You can open an SDF file using Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3D 2022 and Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 2023.

SP3 - NGS SP3 File

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an SP3 file?

A file with .sp3 extension is a National Geodetic Survey (NGS) orbital format to store orbital information. This is an extension to NGS’s SP1 and SP2 formats, and includes the satellite clock correction information that is computed simultaneously with the orbits. It is primarily based on position and clock, and does not include velocities. The format was proposed in Remondi, 1989 and was adopted in 1991. In addition to satellite clock correction information, it includes informaiton such as orbit accuracy exponents, comment lines, the GPS week, and seconds of week associated with first epoch. SP3 files can be opened with Wolfram Research Mathematica.

SSF - Trimble Standard Storage Format File

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an SSF file?

A file with .ssf file is a Geospatial data storage file format used by the Trimble Navigation GIS software applications. It stores GPS data recorded from field using Trimble devices. The GPS log is then imported in one of the applications of Trimble applications suite. The GPS log contained in an SSF is used to create custom coordinate systems. SSF files can be opened with Trimble Navigation GPS Pathfinder Office, Trimble Navigation GPS Pathfinder Tools SDK, and ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop with Trimble GPS Analyst plug-in.

DLG - Shapefile Shape Index Format

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a DLG file?

A file with .dlg extension contains the Digital Line Graph which is a cartographic map feature showed in digital vector form that is administered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The DLG files are available in two different formats:

Optional format: A simple-to-use format that incorporates an 80-byte logical record length, the UTM ground coordinate system, and topology linkages contained in line, node and area elements.
Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS) format: a format that facilitates transferring of spatial data between different computer systems.

DLG File Format

DLG file format is designed for USGS maps and are transmitted in large, intermediate and small scale with up to nine different categories of features. The DLG files come in optional and Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS) formats having topologically structured for use in mapping and GIS applications.

GPKG - GeoPackage Format Files

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a GPKG file?

A file with a .gpkg extension consists of a geographic information system implemented as a SQLite database container containing data and metadata tables with typical definitions, format limitations, integrity assertions and content constraints. It was published in 2014; defined by the OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) on the behalf of the US military. Various governments, commercial, and open source organizations widely support the GeoPackage.

SHX - Shapefile Shape Index Format

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an SHX file?

The SHX file belongs to shape index format which is a positional index of the feature geometry to enable seeking forwards and backwards quickly. The SHX is a direct access offset file. There is no data in this file, only a duplicate copy of the first hundred bytes, record number and offset to the starting byte of that record in the shp. Please note that the file with .shx extension does not tie the SHP and DBF.

NTF - National Transfer Format Files

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an NTF file?

The files with extension .ntf extension are called the National Transfer Format (NTF) Files; mostly used by the U.K. Ordnance Survey (OS); specifically for the transfer of geospatial data. It is managed by the British Standards Institution. It has become the standard transfer format for Ordnance Survey digital data. The UK’s National Grid projection, which is a type of Transverse Mercator, holds all the georeferenced information for NTF files.

LOC - GPS Location File Format

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is an LOC file?

A file with .loc extension is a GPS location file that contains geospatial locations as waypoints. A waypoint is a pair of Latitude-Longitude values that refers to a location used by Geographical Information System (GIS) applications. GPS mapping programs, such as DeLorme Topo, use LOC files to read and display information contained with these LOC files as selectable layers by end users. In addition, these are used to exchange GPS data between applications. LOC files can be opened using applications such as TopoGrafix EasyGPS that displays the contents of such files as layers and data plotted on the map at respective geolocation.

QGD - Sqlite Database of the QGIS Project

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a QGD file?

The file with extension .QGD file is actually the associated sqlite database of the QGIS project that accommodates the auxiliary data for the project. The QGD file will remain empty, if there will be no auxiliary data for the project.

Details about QGD File Format

In classic mode, the auxiliary database is saved as a file with .qgd extension along the xml file. The Auxiliary Database system allows to read and write data in the system as an alternative way. When Creating the QGZ which is a zipped container, the .qgd file includes into the .qgz.

QGZ - Quantum GIS Compressed Project

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is a QGZ file?

The QGZ file format is a compressed archive containing a QGS file and a QGD file. Whereas, The QGD file is the sqlite database of the qgis project that consists of auxiliary data for the project. If there is no auxiliary data, the QGD file will remain empty.

Details about QGZ File Format

The QGZ was introduced as a new variant of the QGIS 3 project file format. This format is a zipped container for the QGS xml file. If users choose QGD that is an optional format, in this case the container is beneficial to store the auxiliary storage database.

S57 - Electronic Navigation Charts File