Global Mapper TM
Gridded Elevation Formats
- ACE/ACE2 (Altimeter Corrected Elevation)
- ASPRS LIDAR LAS Files
- ASTER DEM and L1A/L1B Imagery and MODIS imagery
- Arc/Info ASCII Grid
- Arc/Info Binary Grid
- Arc/Info Export Format (E00)
- BAG (Bathymetry Attributed Grid) Files
- BIL/BSQ/BIP/RAW Imagery
- BT (Binary Terrain) Elevation Grid Files
- BigTIFF
- COLLADA 3D Models
- CORTAD (Coral Reef Temperature Anomaly) Files
- CPS-3 Grid Format
- Canada 3D Files
- Canadian Digital Elevation Data (CDED)
- Carlson SurvCAD Grid File
- Cogent3D .imagery Files
- DHM - Swiss DEM Files
- DTED (Digital Terrain Elevation Data) Format
- Digital Bathymetric Data Base Variable Resolution (DBDB-V)
- ERDAS Imagine Image Format
- FAA INM 3TX Format
- GLOBE (Global Land 1-km Base Elevation) Data
- GSD (Swedish DEM Grid) Files
- GXF (Geosoft ASCII Grid) Files
- Geodas Grid (GRD98) Format
- Geosoft Binary Grid Files
- Global 2' Elevation Data (ETOPO2)
- Global 30-arc-second Digital Elevation Data (GTOPO30)
- Gravsoft Grid Files
- HF2/HFZ Files
- HRE - High Resolution Elevation Format
- HTF (Hydrographic Transfer Format)
- Hypack Matrix Files
- IGF DIS Terrain Files
- Idrisi Format
- International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean (IBCAO) Files
- JPEG2000 Files
- JPGIS (Japanese DEM) XML Format
- Japanese DEM (JDEM/LEM/CSV) Format
- LIDAR LAZ (Compressed LAS) Files
- LizardTech MrSID MG4 Lidar
- MSI Planet Format
- Micropath 3CD Format
- NDVI (MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) HDF5 Files
- NMGF (Noise Model Grid Format)
- NOAA TerrainBase Elevation Data
- NOAA/NGS Geoid Model Format
- NTF Grid/Contour Format
- OTF (Objective Terrain Format)
- PDS (Vicar) Files
- PLS-CADD XYZ Files
- Pathfinder AVHRR (Sea Surface Temperature) Files
- QCT (Quick Chart) and QED Files
- SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission)
- STL Files
- Surfer Grid (ASCII and Binary) Format Files
- TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) HDF5 Files
- TerraScan .bin/.ts Format
- Terragen Terrain Format
- USGS Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
- USGS Digital Elevation Model, GeoTIFF Format
- USGS Digital Elevation Model, Spatial Data Transfer Standard Format (DEM/SDTS)
- USGS National Elevation Dataset (NED) - ArcGrid, BIL, Grid Float Format
- VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) HDF5 Files
- Vertical Mapper (MapInfo) Grid/Clutter Files
- Vulcan3D Triangulation (.00t) Files
- WindSim GWS
- Zmap Plus Grid Files
ACE/ACE2 (Altimeter Corrected Elevation)
Description:
The new ACE2 Global Digital Elevation Model is available at 3", 30" and 5' spatial resolutions. In addition to the height matrix, 3 additional matrices provide information which identifies the source of the data, the estimated vertical accuracy of the data and the confidence in this accuracy assessment. Global Mapper v12.01 and later can load ACE2 format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
ASPRS LIDAR LAS Files
Description:
The ASPRS LIDAR .LAS format is a binary format for storing 3D point data collected with LIDAR instrumentation. Global Mapper v6.07 and higher can directly import this format and view it either as a 3D surface or as an elevation-colored point cloud. Global Mapper v9.00 and higher can export loaded gridded elevation data and 3D point cloud data to new LIDAR LAS format files. With v10.02 and later, you can customize the names used for the LIDAR classes found within LAS files by creating a lidar_classes.txt file in the Global Mapper installation folder and adding a line for each class number to override with a format of lidar_class,class_name, like 3,"My Custom Class Name". In Global Mapper v11.02 or later if you load LAS files with format 2 or 3 that include color information, the specified colors will be used to render the Lidar points if they are loaded as a point cloud rather than the default elevation-based rendering of the point cloud. Global Mapper v13.01 and later can load data conforming to the LAS 1.4 specification.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
ASTER DEM and L1A/L1B Imagery and MODIS imagery
Description:
ASTER is an imaging instrument that is flying on the TERRA satellite launched in December 1999 as part of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS). ASTER represents a revolution in the remote sensing community because of the availability of its imagery and its superior resolution. ASTER resolution ranges from 15m to 90m, depending on the wavelength. The quality of the ASTER DEM data is excellent, equivalent in resolution to USGS 30m SDTS DEM data and has coverage for a large portion of the Globe.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Terrain Map - Follow ASTER DEM links on left for help
EOS Data Gateway
OrthoCoverage - 15m ASTER Imagery for Download and Purchase
Arc/Info ASCII Grid
Description:
The Arc/Info ASCII Grid format is an elevation grid exchange format used by Arc/Info.
Arc/Info Binary Grid
Description:
The Arc/Info Binary Grid format is the format used by Arc/Info internally to store elevation grids.
Arc/Info Export Format (E00)
Description:
The E00 format is the Arc/Info exchange format for groups of vector coverages.
BAG (Bathymetry Attributed Grid) Files
Description:
The BAG (Bathymetry Attributed Grid) is a non-proprietary file format for storing and exchanging bathymetric data developed by the Open Navigation Surface Working Group. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
BIL/BSQ/BIP/RAW Imagery
Description:
Various types of imagery are often distributed in simple binary formats such as the BIL (binary interleaved), BSQ (binary sequential), BIP (binary interleaved pixel), and RAW (PCI Geomatics raw binary) formats. These files are usually accompanied by a header file of some kind (usually .hdr, .ers, or .aux) which describes the layout and formatting of the file. Global Mapper requires this header file in addition to the .bil, .bsq, .bip, or .raw data file in order to load the file.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
BT (Binary Terrain) Elevation Grid Files
Description:
The BT (Binary Terrain) format is a simple terrain format developed by the folks at VTerrain.org to provide an easy way to store terrain information in a single file along with projection and positioning information. Global Mapper v6.04 and higher can directly import and export this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
BigTIFF
Description:
BigTIFF is an extension to the TIFF image format allowing files larger than 4GB in size. Global Mapper v10.00 and later can both import and export BigTIFF format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
COLLADA 3D Models
Description:
COLLADA is a royalty-free XML schema that enables digital asset exchange within the interactive 3D industry. COLLADA model files are commonly used by software like Google Earth to represent 3D models (these are typically model.dae files). Global Mapper v11.02 and later can directly load some of these files, but only a limited subset of the data that is supported in COLLADA is supported in Global Mapper.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
CORTAD (Coral Reef Temperature Anomaly) Files
Description:
The CORTAD data set is provided in the standard HDF5 format. The CoRTAD contains a collection of sea surface temperature (SST) and related thermal stress metrics, developed specifically for coral reef ecosystem applications but relevant to other ecosystems as well. The CoRTAD contains global, approximately 4 km resolution SST data on a weekly time scale from 1982 through 2008 (Version 2). In addition to SST, it contains SST anomaly (SSTA, weekly SST minus weekly climatological SST), thermal stress anomaly (TSA, weekly SST minus the maximum weekly climatological SST), SSTA Degree Heating Week (SSTA_DHW, sum of previous 12 weeks when SSTA is greater than or equal to 1 degree C), SSTA Frequency (number of times over previous 52 weeks that SSTA is greater than or equal to 1 degree C), TSA DHW (TSA_DHW, also known as a Degree Heating Week, sum of previous 12 weeks when TSA is greater than or equal to 1 degree C),and TSA Frequency (number of times over previous 52 weeks that TSA is greater than or equal to 1 degree C). Global Mapper v13.01 and later can read this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
CPS-3 Grid Format
Description:
The CPS-3 format is used by Shlumberger GeoFrame software to store grid files. Global Mapper v13.01 and later can import grids in this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Schlumberger GeoFrame Home Page
Canada 3D Files
Description:
Canada3D is a DEM produced by the Canadian Forestry Service, Ontario region. The DEM consists of an ordered array of ground elevations providing coverage of the entire Canadian landmass. It has been derived from the cells of the CDED at the 1:250 000 scale. Canada3D is available in two forms: grids regularly spaced at 30 or 300 arc-seconds. Canada3D 30 and 300 are recorded separately in ASCII text file format. The elevation values are expressed in meters with respect to mean sea level (MSL), in accordance with the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83).
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Center for Topographic Information
Canadian Digital Elevation Data (CDED)
Description:
The CDED consists of an ordered array of ground elevations at regularly spaced intervals. It is based on National Topographic System (NTS) maps at the 1:250,000 scale. Nearly complete coverage of Canada is available. CDED data use the same physical format as USGS DEM data, and therefore can be displayed by Global Mapper.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
GeoBase Canada
Center for Topographic Information
Standards and Specifications
Carlson SurvCAD Grid File
Description:
The Carlson SurvCAD Grid file format is used by Carlson software products to store gridded elevation data. Global Mapper v12.00 and later can directly load these files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Cogent3D .imagery Files
Description:
The Cogent3D .imagery format is used by Localconnect and the GISRoam application on iOS devices to store imagery and terrain data. Global Mapper v14.0 and later can load this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
DHM - Swiss DEM Files
Description:
The DHM format is a digital height model used by the Swiss government. Global Mapper v6.08 and higher can directly import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
DTED (Digital Terrain Elevation Data) Format
Description:
In support of military applications, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) has developed standard digital datasets (Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED)) which is a uniform matrix of terrain elevation values which provides basic quantitative data for systems and applications that require terrain elevation, slope, and/or surface roughness information. All Global Mapper versions can import DTED format files and Global Mapper v9.00 and later can export loaded elevation data to DTED format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
GIS Data Depot Download Center
Digital Bathymetric Data Base Variable Resolution (DBDB-V)
Description:
The Digital Bathymetric Data Base Variable resolution (DBDBV) is a digital bathymetric data base that provides ocean depths at various gridded resolutions. DBDBV was developed by NAVOCEANO to support the generation of bathymetric chart products, and to provide bathymetric data to be integrated with other geophysical and environmental parameters for ocean modeling. Grid resolutions available include 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 minutes of latitude/longitude (1 minute of latitude = 1 nautical mile or 1.852 km). For data coverage for each resolutions see Related URLs below. Global Mapper v13.01 and later can read this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
ERDAS Imagine Image Format
Description:
The ERDAS Imagine Image format is the raster data format used with the ERDAS Imagine software product line. Typical imagery includes satellite data as well as land coverages. For multi-band images and grayscale images, Global Mapper will automatically apply a two-standard deviation contrast stretch in order to generate an aesthetically pleasing image with no intervention. If present, the first 3 bands will be used the generate the image, with band 1 being red, band 2 being green, and band 3 being blue.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
FAA INM 3TX Format
Description:
The FAA INM (Integrated Noise Model) 3TX format is a simple text format used by INM software to store a 1x1 degree terrain grid with 3-arc-second spacing, such as SRTM data. Global Mapper v13.01 and later can load 3TX format files and export new 3TX format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
GLOBE (Global Land 1-km Base Elevation) Data
Description:
The Global Land One-kilometer Base Elevation (GLOBE) digital elevation model is the most thoroughly designed, reviewed, and documented global digital elevation dataset to date. GLOBE comprises a global 30 arc-second latitude-longitude array, with land areas populated with integer elevation data. GLOBE is available on the World Wide Web, and on CD-ROM in a format convenient for image processing and raster geographic information systems (GIS). Full GLOBE documentation is available on the CD-ROM and Website. To load GLOBE data into Global Mapper, first download and uncompress the data files (if necessary). Name the large elevation data file with the .bin extension. Then download the GeoVu header for the tile that you just downloaded and place it in the same directory as the .bin file. Finally, use the File->Open menu item to load the .bin file.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
The Global Land 1-km Base Elevation (GLOBE) Project
GLOBE FTP Site
GSD (Swedish DEM Grid) Files
Description:
The GSD format is used to store Swedish DEM data. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Lantmateriet (Swedish Mapping Authority)
GXF (Geosoft ASCII Grid) Files
Description:
The GXF format is an ASCII grid format for storing elevation data. This format is used by software like Geosoft's Oasis Montaj product. Global Mapper v5.08 and higher can directly import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Geodas Grid (GRD98) Format
Description:
This is a digital format for the storage of gridded data. Though developed for bathymetric/topographic data, the format can handle virtually any type of gridded data. It is very utilitarian format and contains no documentation about the grids (such as information about references, methods and datums used, etc.). Rather GRD98 formatted files only contain grid-structure information followed by the grid cell data values. Global Mapper v8.00 and later can import GRD98 format data.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Geosoft Binary Grid Files
Description:
The Geosoft Grid format is a binary grid format for storing elevation data. This format is used by software like Geosoft's Oasis Montaj product. Global Mapper v6.05 and higher can directly import and export this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Global 2' Elevation Data (ETOPO2)
Description:
A newly constructed global elevation data base gridded at 2-minute (latitude-longitude) resolution. The ETOPO2 data set contains both land data from the Global Land One-kilometer Base Elevation (GLOBE) project as well as seafloor topography from various sources.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
ETOPO2 Home Page (Not Free Here)
ETOPO2 Data and Docs (Free Here, Download etopo2.dos.bin and rename to etopo2.dos)
Global 30-arc-second Digital Elevation Data (GTOPO30)
Description:
A global DEM with a horizontal grid spacing of 30 arc seconds (approximately 1 kilometer, varies with latitude). GTOPO30 was derived from several raster and vector sources of topographic information. These data were produced jointly by several national and international organizations. The physical format of these data is different than USGS DEM data. GTOPO30 files are very large; note file sizes before downloading.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Gravsoft Grid Files
Description:
Gravsoft grid files are used by the Gravsoft suite of tools to store gridded elevation data. Global Mapper v6.00 and later can export loaded elevation data to new Gravsoft Grid files and Global Mapper v10.00 and later can import data in the Gravsoft Grid format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
HF2/HFZ Files
Description:
HF2 is a compressed heightfield format designed to replace uncompressed terrain formats such as HFF, TER and BT. In addition to smaller file sizes thanks to difference and gzip encoding, the HF2 format also includes an extended header section for storing additional metadata such as georeferencing coordinates, comments, and the like. Thus, HF2 was designed with extensibility in mind. HFZ files are just gzipped HF2 files. Global Mapper v9.01 and later can both import and export HF2/HFZ format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
HRE - High Resolution Elevation Format
Description:
HRE data is intended for a wide variety of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG) partners and members, and customers external to the NSG, to access and exploit standardized data products. HRE data replaces the current non-standard High Resolution Terrain Elevation/Information (HRTE/HRTI) products and also replaces non-standard products referred to as DTED level 3 thru 6. This profile is not intended to replace standard DTED 0, 1 and 2 products which will continue to be supported by NGA. Global Mapper v12.01 and later can import HRE format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
HTF (Hydrographic Transfer Format)
Description:
HTF is a format used primarily for storing sounding data. It is used by the Australian Hydrographic Service (AHS). HTF is now the preferred distribution format for AHS sounding data and will be used by all Hydrographic Surveying Force (HSF) Units to render digital sounding data to the AHS as well as to exchange data between HSF Units. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import HTF formatted data.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Hypack Matrix Files
Description:
The Hypack Matrix format is a grid format typically used for storing bathymetric data used in marine surveying. This format is used by software from Hypack, Inc. Global Mapper v6.07 and higher can directly import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
IGF DIS Terrain Files
Description:
IGF DIS files are used to store terrain surfaces. Global Mapper v13.10 and later can load these files.
Idrisi Format
Description:
The Idrisi .rst file format is the raster data format used with Clark Labs' Idrisi software product line. Global Mapper v7.03 and later supports loading raster and gridded elevation data from Idrisi .rst files and also exporting any loaded raster and gridded elevation data to Idrisi .rst format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean (IBCAO) Files
Description:
The goal of the IBCAO initiative is to develop a digital data base that contains all available bathymetric data north of 64 degrees North, for use by mapmakers, researchers, and others whose work requires a detailed and acurate knowledge of the depth and the shape of the Arctic seabed. Global Mapper supports the import of this data in the netCDF format. Import of the ASCII grid format is not yet supported.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
JPEG2000 Files
Description:
JPEG2000 is a relatively new format for storing imagery in a very highly compressed yet high quality manner, similar to the ECW and MrSID formats. Global Mapper v6.00 and above can load files in this format and export new raster JPEG2000 files. Global Mapper v12.00 and later can also export elevation grid JPEG2000 files, which offers extremely high compression for your terrain data.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
JPGIS (Japanese DEM) XML Format
Description:
JPGIS is an XML format for storing gridded terrain data. This format is used by Japanese agencies.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Japanese DEM (JDEM/LEM/CSV) Format
Description:
The JDEM .mem/.lem file format is a file format used by the Japanese Geographical Survey Institute to provide gridded elevaion data. Global Mapper v7.04 and later supports loading gridded elevation data from JDEM .mem files. Global Mapper v11.00 and later supports loading Japanese DEMs in the LEM/CSV format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
LIDAR LAZ (Compressed LAS) Files
Description:
LASzip is a compression library that was developed by Martin Isenburg for compressing ASPRS LAS format data. LASzip is completely lossless. It compresses bulky LAS files into compact LAZ files that are only 10-20 percent of the original size, accurately preserving every single bit. For example, compressing and decompressing the LAS file lidar.las with laszip.exe as shown below results in lidar_copy.las that is bit-identical to lidar.las. However, the small size of lidar.laz makes it much easier to store, copy, transmit, or archive large amounts of LIDAR. Global Mapper v13.01 and later can import and export LAZ format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
LizardTech MrSID MG4 Lidar
Description:
The LizardTech MrSID MG4 format is a format which uses advanced compression techniques to achieve extremely high compression ratios when storing Lidar data sets. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import MrSID MG4 format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
MSI Planet Format
Description:
MSI Planet files are used to provide spatial referencing for image and elevation grids. These are typically an index or index.txt file. Global Mapper has been able to use these for raw binary grids since before v9, but v14.0 and later can use the index file to position nearly any image, including BMP, PNG, etc.
Micropath 3CD Format
Description:
The Micropath 3CD format is used by Micropath to store a 1x1 degree terrain grid with 3-arc-second spacing, such as SRTM data. Global Mapper v13.01 and later can load 3CD format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
NDVI (MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) HDF5 Files
Description:
The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data set is available on a 16 day basis for the six year period between 2001 and 2006. The product is derived from bands 1 and 2 of the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer on board NASA's Terra satellite. A time-series of NDVI observations can be used to examine the dynamics of the growing season or monitor phenomena such as droughts.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
NMGF (Noise Model Grid Format)
Description:
NMGF is a standard file format used to store sets of georeferenced data points. These data sets, also know as grids, represent measurable quantities that vary with geographic location. Examples include predicted noise levels around an airport, monthly records of rainfall across a state, and water temperature measurements in a lake. Global Mapper v13.00 and later can load NMGF format files.
NOAA TerrainBase Elevation Data
Description:
A collection of public domain Digital terrain models (DTM) from the NOAA National Geophysical Data Center. This collection includes an improved 5-minute DTM of land and ocean values for the entire world.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
NOAA/NGS Geoid Model Format
Description:
The NOAA/NGS Geoid Model format is used to store a grid of geoid offsets for performing geoid/vertical datum transformations. Global Mapper v13.00 and later can load NMGF format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
NTF Grid/Contour Format
Description:
The NTF (National Transfer Format) grid file format is used primarily by the UK Ordnance Survey to store gridded elevation data (i.e. DEMs) as well as vector data. Global Mapper v7.02 and above supports loading gridded elevation data from NTF files. Global Mapper v8.01 and above also supports loading vector contour data from NTF files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
OTF (Objective Terrain Format)
Description:
The OTF format is used to store terrain data and vector features. It is commonly used in war fighter applications like WarSim. Global Mapper v14.1 and later can read OTF data sets with the purchase of an extra feature extension to Global Mapper.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
PDS (Vicar) Files
Description:
The PDS (Vicar) format is a binary grid format commonly used by NASA for storing planetary data. Global Mapper v10.01 and later can import data from PDS (Vicar) files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
PLS-CADD XYZ Files
Description:
The PLS-CADD file format is a file format used by the PLS-CADD application by Power Line Systems to store both vector and gridded elevation data. Support for exporting loaded data to this format is available in Global Mapper v6.00 and above. Automatic support for loading data in this format is provided via Global Mapper v9.02 and above.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Pathfinder AVHRR (Sea Surface Temperature) Files
Description:
The NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) is pleased to release the AVHRR Pathfinder Version 5.2 (PFV52) sea surface temperature data set. This data is available in NetCDF/HDF5 format. Global Mapper v13.01 and later can import data from this data set.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
QCT (Quick Chart) and QED Files
Description:
The QCT and QED file formats are used for very highly compressed scanned maps (QCD) and elevation data( QED) files, mainly on portable devices like PDAs and handheld GPS devices. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can read both QCD and QED format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission)
Description:
The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data products result from a collaborative mission by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), the German space agency (DLR) and Italian space agency (ASI), to generate a near-global digital elevation model (DEM) of the Earth using radar interferometry. The SRTM-1 (1 arc-second) and SRTM-3 (3 arc-second) digital elevation models are being developed from the SRTM C-band radar observations for selected regions to satisfy the needs of NASA related projects and to speed the evaluation of acquisition and processing and applications algorithms. To load the SRTM-30 data available from the SRTM FTP Site below, you just need to download the *.dem.zip and open it directly into Global Mapper.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
SRTM Home Page
USGS Seamless Data Distribution Center (Arc Grid and GeoTIFF Formats)
SRTM FTP Site (SRTM-30 and HGT Format) - Use FTP Client
SRTM-30+ Web Site (SRTM-30 w/ Bathymetry!)
STL Files
Description:
STL is a file format native to the stereolithography CAD software created by 3D Systems. This file format is supported by many other software packages; it is widely used for rapid prototyping and computer-aided manufacturing. STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three dimensional object without any representation of color, texture or other common CAD model attributes. All versions of Global Mapper can export loaded terrain grids to STL format files. Global Mapper v14.0 and later can export binary STL format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Surfer Grid (ASCII and Binary) Format Files
Description:
Surfer Grid Format files are used to store a grid of elevation data. This format is supported by several software packages, with Golden Software's Surfer package being the most prominent. Global Mapper support both the import and export of this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Golden Software: Surfer Product Information
TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) HDF5 Files
Description:
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) is a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) designed to monitor and study tropical rainfall. Global Mapper v13.10 and later can import TRMM HDF5-format data files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
TerraScan .bin/.ts Format
Description:
The TerraScan LIDAR format is a binary format for storing 3D point data collected with LIDAR instrumentation. Global Mapper v7.02 and higher can directly import this format and view it either as a 3D surface or as an elevation-colored point cloud.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Terragen Terrain Format
Description:
Global Mapper is able to export loaded elevation grid data to Terragen terrain files. These files can be used with the Terragen software package to create beatifully rendered 3D landscapes.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Terragen Home Page
Terragen Users Group
USGS Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
Description:
Elevations in a regular grid, derived from USGS topographic map contours or directly from aerial photography.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
USGS Geographic Data FTP Site
USGS Geographic Data Download Page
Ask USGS
USGS Elevation Program Home Page
USGS Digital Elevation Model, GeoTIFF Format
Description:
Elevation data derived directly from USGS native format DEMs. This is an experimental format and is not available for sale. GeoTIFF DEMs are implemented as 16-bit TIFF images to preserve absolute elevation values. 16-bit data, while allowed by the TIFF 6.0 standard, is not widely implemented in TIFF viewers, so these files may or may not be viewable in other software.
USGS Digital Elevation Model, Spatial Data Transfer Standard Format (DEM/SDTS)
Description:
Elevation data derived directly from USGS native format DEMs. Spatial content is equivalent to DEM, but physical format and metadata content are more robust. 7.5-minute data (1:24,000 & 1:25,000 scale) and 1:250,000 scale are available in SDTS format. Native format data continue to be produced and sold.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
USGS Geographic Data FTP Site
USGS Geographic Data Download Site
Ask USGS
SDTS Home Page
USGS National Elevation Dataset (NED) - ArcGrid, BIL, Grid Float Format
Description:
The USGS National Elevation Dataset (NED) has been developed by merging the highest-resolution, best-quality elevation data available across the United States into a seamless raster format. NED is the result of the maturation of the USGS effort to provide 1:24,000-scale DEM data for the conterminous US and 1:63,360-scale DEM data for Alaska. NED data is available in BIL, float/grid, and ArcGrid formats.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
NED Home Page
USGS Seamless Data Distribution Center (Arc Grid and GeoTIFF Formats)
VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) HDF5 Files
Description:
VIIRS, a scanning radiometer, collects visible and infrared imagery and radiometric measurements of the land, atmosphere, cryosphere, and oceans. It extends and improves upon a series of measurements initiated by the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). VIIRS data is used to measure cloud and aerosol properties, ocean color, sea and land surface temperature, ice motion and temperature, fires, and Earth's albedo. Climatologists use VIIRS data to improve our understanding of global climate change. Global Mapper v13.2 and later can load HDF5 files with VIIRS data.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Vertical Mapper (MapInfo) Grid/Clutter Files
Description:
The Vertical Mapper application stores elevation data in GRD files and clutter files in GRC files. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import GRD and GRC files and export new Vertical Mapper GRD format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Vulcan3D Triangulation (.00t) Files
Description:
The Vulcan3D Triangulation file format is used by the Maptek Vulcan application for working with triangulated terrain surfaces. Vulcan3D files can be imported to and exported from Global Mapper v9.03 and above.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
WindSim GWS
Description:
The WindSim GWS format is used by WindSim software products for storing gridded height and roughness data. Global Mapper v12.01 and later can load GWS format files. When you load GWS files you can choose to import either the elevation grid or roughness grid data. If you choose to import the roughness data then it will be imported as both a grid and area features for each roughness value that you could then easily export to another vector roughness format, like WaSP .map files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Zmap Plus Grid Files
Description:
Zmap Plus grid files are used by Geographix applications such as IsoMap to store gridded elevation data. Global Mapper can both import and export data in this format in v6.00 and higher.
