Global Mapper TM
Vector Formats
- ASPRS LIDAR LAS Files
- ATLAS BNA (Boundary File)
- Alberta Township System (ATS) Format
- AnuDEM Contour Text Files
- Anuga Triangulated Mesh Format
- Arc/Info Export Format (E00)
- AutoCAD DWG (DraWinG) File
- AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Interchange File)
- CDF (GES Cartographic Data Format)
- CML, CXF, and TAF (Italian Cadastral Exchange Formats)
- COLLADA 3D Models
- Cogent3D .line, .point, and .poly Files
- CompeGPS RTE, TRK, and WPT Formats
- DBF (DBase III+) Files
- DMDF (Digital Map Data Format) Format
- DeLorme Text Files
- Delft3D (LDB) Files
- EMF (Windows Enhanced Metafile) Format
- ESRI File Geodatabase Format
- ESRI Personal Geodatabase Format (MDB) Files
- ESRI Shapefiles
- EasyGPS .LOC File
- FCC Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) Files
- GML (Geography Markup Language) Format
- GPS TrackMaker
- GPX (GPS eXchange Format) Files
- Garmin PCX5 Format Waypoint (WPT), Route (RTE), and Track (TRK) Files
- Garmin TCX (Training Center Database) Files
- GeoJSON Format
- GeoPDF® Files
- HTF (Hydrographic Transfer Format)
- Hypack LNW (Planned Line) Files
- Idrisi Vector (VCT) Format
- JPEG Image with Embedded EXIF Position Information
- KML/KMZ Formats
- LIDAR LAZ (Compressed LAS) Files
- LMN (Spectra Line Management Node) Files
- LandXML
- LizardTech MrSID MG4 Lidar
- LogASCII (LAS) Files
- Lowrance LCM (MapCreate) Format
- Lowrance SonarViewer Format
- Lowrance USR
- MagicMaps IKT Files
- MapInfo MIF/MID and TAB/MAP Formats
- MapMaker DRA (Drawing) Files
- Marplot MIE Files
- MicroStation DGN Format
- NIMA GNS (GeoNet Names Server) Format
- NMF (ArcGIS Explorer Map) Format
- NMGF (Noise Model Grid Format)
- NOAA DSDATA Geodetic Control, SDTS Format
- NTF Grid/Contour Format
- OCAD .OCD Files
- OTF (Objective Terrain Format)
- OpenAir Airspace Format
- OpenStreetMap (OSM) Files
- Orca XML
- OziExplorer Waypoint (WPT), Route (RTE), and Track (PLT) Files
- PLS-CADD XYZ Files
- Platte River ASCII Digitizer Format
- Polish MP (cGPSMapper) Format
- S-57 Digital Chart Files
- S-63 Encrypted Digital Chart Files
- SEGP1/UKOOA Seismic Shotpoint Format
- SEGY Seismic Shotpoint Format
- SMT KINGDOM Software Planimetric Polygon Format
- SOSI Files
- SPS (Shell Processing Support)
- STL Files
- Surfer BLN Files
- TAF (Italian Cadastral Exchange Format)
- TIGER/Line Files
- Tobin .bas (TDRBM II) Format
- TomTom OV2 Files
- USGS Digital Line Graph, Optional Format (DLG-O)
- USGS Digital Line Graph, Spatial Data Transfer Standard Format (DLG/SDTS)
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)
- USGS Land Use and Land Cover Data (LULC)
- VPF (VMAP0, VMAP1, DNC) Files
- Vulcan3D Triangulation (.00t) Files
- WAsP .MAP Format
- XTF (eXtended Triton) Format
- ZMap+ IsoMap Line and XYSegID Text Files
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:
ATLAS BNA (Boundary File)
Description:
The Atlas BNA format is a text format used by some products like Surfer, Golden Software's MapViewer and Caliper's Maptitude for loading boundary data. Global Mapper v13.00 and later can directly import .bna files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Alberta Township System (ATS) Format
Description:
The Alberta Township System (ATS) is a land surveying system used in the Canadian province of Alberta and other parts of Western Canada. Data for the ATS system is distributed in ATS format files. Global Mapper v11.02 and later can directly load ATS v4.1 files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Alberta Township System Wikipedia Page
AnuDEM Contour Text Files
Description:
ANUDEM is a program that calculates regular grid digital elevation models (DEMs) with sensible shape and drainage structure from arbitrarily large topographic data sets. It has been used to develop DEMs ranging from fine scale experimental catchments to continental scale. Global Mapper v14.0 and later can export loaded lines with a single elevation value (like contours) to AnuDEM contour .gen files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Anuga Triangulated Mesh Format
Description:
The Anuga Triangulated Mesh format is used by the ANUGA Hydro open source application to store generated meshes. Global Mapper v11.02 and later can directly load these files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Arc/Info Export Format (E00)
Description:
The E00 format is the Arc/Info exchange format for groups of vector coverages.
AutoCAD DWG (DraWinG) File
Description:
The DWG format is a vector data format used by AutoCAD and other applications. Global Mapper v8.01 and later can import DWG format data. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can export loaded vector data to DWG format files. Global Mapper v11.01 and later can load DWG 2010 format files. Global Mapper v11.02 and later will also automatically look for and use a WLD file to offset and scale the coordinates in a DXF file to a real-world coordinate system.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Interchange File)
Description:
The DXF format is a tagged data representation of all the information contained in an AutoCAD drawing file. Tagged data means that each data element in the file is preceded by an integer number that is called a group code. A group code's value indicates what type of data element follows. This value also indicates the meaning of a data element for a given object (or record) type. Virtually all user-specified information in a drawing file can be represented in DXF format. Global Mapper v11.02 and later will also automatically look for and use a WLD file to offset and scale the coordinates in a DXF file to a real-world coordinate system.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Autodesk AutoCAD DXF Documentation
CDF (GES Cartographic Data Format)
Description:
The Geographix CDF format is a format commonly used in the petroleum industry with applications like Geographix and Petra. Global Mapper v5.07 and later can export loaded vector data to this format and Global Mapper v8.00 and later can import data from files in this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
CML, CXF, and TAF (Italian Cadastral Exchange Formats)
Description:
The CML (Cadastral Markup Language), CXF (Cadastral Exchange Format), and TAF formats are used for the exchange of cadastral data in Italy. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import these formats.
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:
Cogent3D .line, .point, and .poly Files
Description:
The Cogent3D .line, .point, and .poly formats are used by Localconnect and the GISRoam application on iOS devices to store vector data like line, point, and area features. Global Mapper v14.0 and later can load this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
CompeGPS RTE, TRK, and WPT Formats
Description:
The CompeGPS RTE, TRK, and WPT format are used by the CompeGPS application for storing routes, tracks, and waypoints. Global Mapper v7.04 and later supports loading data from these formats.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
DBF (DBase III+) Files
Description:
DBF files are used to store tables of information. Usually they accompany an ESRI Shapefile to provide attribute information, but they can be used to store a database of point features. Global Mapper v6.04 and higher can directly import DBF files.
DMDF (Digital Map Data Format) Format
Description:
The Digital Map Data Format (DMDF) is an ASCII format used primarily for the transmission of terrain data, including gridded terrain, contour lines, and spot elevations. Many Alberta DEMs are provided in this format. Global Mapper v9.00 and later can read in the DMDF format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD)
DeLorme Text Files
Description:
Some DeLorme products support loading vector data from text files. Global Mapper v10.02 and later can export data into DeLorme text formats, including a drawing format for storing any kind of vector data (i.e. areas, lines, and points) as well as specific formats for line and point data sets.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Delft3D (LDB) Files
Description:
The Delft3D (LDB) file format is used by Delft Hydraulics Software for storing vector line data. Delft3D (LDB) can be exported from any loaded line data using Global Mapper v9.03 and above. Global Mapper v10.01 and later can directly import Delft3D (LDB) format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Delft Hydraulics Software Home Page
EMF (Windows Enhanced Metafile) Format
Description:
The Windows Enhanced Metafile (EMF) is used to stored a rendered Windows graphics image. Global Mapper v9.00 and later can extract some vector features (i.e. areas, lines, and points) with style information from most EMF files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Wikipedia Entry on Windows Metafile Format
ESRI File Geodatabase Format
Description:
The ESRI File Geodatabase format allows for the storage of different types of mapping data. Global Mapper v13.00 and later can extract vector data from GDB data sets created with ArcGIS 10 or later.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
ESRI Personal Geodatabase Format (MDB) Files
Description:
The ESRI Personal Geodatabase Format is basically a Microsoft Access database (MDB) file containing spatial vector data. Global Mapper v10.00 and later can import data in this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
ESRI Shapefiles
Description:
A shapefile stores nontopological geometry and attribute information for the spatial features in a data set. The geometry for a feature is stored as a shape comprising a set of vector coordinates. Global Mapper supports loading Shapefiles directly from .tar.gz files, so you do not need to uncompress your Shapefile data if you do not want to.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
The National Atlas of the United States of America
EasyGPS .LOC File
Description:
EasyGPS .loc files are XML-based files for storing waypoint data for use with the EasyGPS application.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
FCC Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) Files
Description:
The FCC ASR database stores the locations and information, like heights, for antennas and towers in the US. The data comes as a set of .dat files. You just need to load the co.dat file to bring the entire database into Global Mapper. The entire database can be freely downloaded from the FCC at the link below. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
FCC Antenna Registration System
GML (Geography Markup Language) Format
Description:
The Geography Markup Language (GML) is the XML grammar defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) to express geographical features. GML serves as a modeling language for geographic systems as well as an open interchange format for geographic transactions on the Internet.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
GPS TrackMaker
Description:
The GPS TrackMaker file format is used to store user waypoints and track logs from GPS devices. These files can be loaded into Global Mapper v7.00 and above.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
GPX (GPS eXchange Format) Files
Description:
GPX (the GPS Exchange Format) is a light-weight XML data format for the interchange of GPS data (waypoints, routes, and tracks) between applications and Web services on the Internet. These files can be loaded into and exported from Global Mapper v6.02 and above. With Global Mapper v10.02 and later, if a GPX waypoint contains a link to a local image file, that image will display whenever you select the point with the Feature Info tool and the image will also be embedded in any exported KMZ format files for use in Google Earth.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Garmin PCX5 Format Waypoint (WPT), Route (RTE), and Track (TRK) Files
Description:
The Garmin PCX5 waypoint (WPT), route (RTE), and track (TRK) file formats are used to store user waypoints, routes, and track logs from GPS devices. The WPT and TRK files can be loaded into Global Mapper and exported from it in v6.00 and above. Global Mapper v9.01 and later can import RTE files as well.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Garmin TCX (Training Center Database) Files
Description:
The TCX format is used by Garmin's personal fitness products to store fitness information, like running information. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import TCX files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
GeoJSON Format
Description:
GeoJSON is a format for encoding a variety of geographic data structures. A GeoJSON object may represent a geometry, a feature, or a collection of features. GeoJSON supports the following geometry types: Point, LineString, Polygon, MultiPoint, MultiLineString, MultiPolygon, and GeometryCollection. Features in GeoJSON contain a geometry object and additional properties, and a feature collection represents a list of features. Global Mapper v13.01 and later can import and export GeoJSON format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
GeoPDF® Files
Description:
GeoPDF® is a published extension (OGC 08-139r1) to the Adobe PDF file format. It is used to present GIS and mapping data in a standard Adobe Systems PDF. This extension adds a coordinate transformation matrix and other metadata to allow transformation of PDF coordinates to a projected Cartesian coordinate system. GeoPDFs often include other advanced PDF features such as layers and object data which can add significant GIS functionality to the file. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can both import GeoPDF® files and export new Geo-enabled PDF files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
GeoPDF® Wikipedia Page
USGS Map Store (DRGs in GeoPDF® Format in MapLocator)
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 LNW (Planned Line) Files
Description:
The Hypack LNW format is a text format used for storing named line data for use with software from Hypack, Inc. Global Mapper v12.00 and higher can directly export loaded line data to this format. Global Mapper v13.00 and higher can import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Idrisi Vector (VCT) Format
Description:
The Idrisi Vector (VCT) format is used by Clark Labs Idrisi software to store vector data. Global Mapper v11.01 and later can load data in this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
JPEG Image with Embedded EXIF Position Information
Description:
With Global Mapper v10.01 and later, Global Mapper can load JPG files with embedded EXIF position information that associates a location with the image. When loaded these create a single point feature that you can then select with the Feature Info tool to view the JPG image. There are several cameras on the market that can automatically embed this information in a JPG image. As an added bonus, when you export these picture features to a KMZ file for display in Google Earth, the image itself will automatically be added to the KMZ file, making it easy to distribute collections of geo-referenced pictures to other for viewing in Google Earth.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
GPS-Fotografie (German Site)
Google Earth
KML/KMZ Formats
Description:
The KML format is the format used by Google Earth to add data for display over the built-in data. The KMZ format is just the compressed form of the KML format. Global Mapper v7.04 and later can export loaded vector data to KML/KMZ files. Global Mapper v8.00 and later can import vector data from KML/KMZ format files.
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:
LMN (Spectra Line Management Node) Files
Description:
The SPECTRA Line Management Node (LMN) is used to specify the parameters for a survey, the survey lines and enable shooting and to define survey specific details such as the GRS, stations and obstacles. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
The Spectra Line Management Node
LandXML
Description:
The Landxml File Format is an XML file containing design information for the horizontal and vertical alignments, and surface data. It can be used for interchanging design information with other software packages or as a backup format for archive purposes.
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:
LogASCII (LAS) Files
Description:
Log ASCII Standard (LAS) is a standard file format common in the oil and gas industry to store wellbore log information. Well logging is used to characterize subsurface stratigraphy in a wellbore. A single LAS file can only contain data for one wellbore but it can contain any number of curves for that well. Common curves found in a LAS file might be gamma ray logging, sonic logging, or resistivity logging. Global Mapper v13.2 and later can load LogASCII format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
LogASCII Wikipedia Page
LogASCII Standard Page with Samples
Lowrance LCM (MapCreate) Format
Description:
The Lowrance LCM (MapCreate) format is used to display your own custom map data on Lowrance GPS devices. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can export loaded vector data to new LCM format maps for use on your Lowrance mapping devices.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Lowrance SonarViewer Format
Description:
The Lowrance SonarViewer software generates comma-separated files containing spot depth information obtained from Lowrance GPS sonar products. Global Mapper v7.04 and later can import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Lowrance USR
Description:
The Lowrance USR file format is used to store user waypoints and track logs from GPS devices. These files can be loaded into Global Mapper v6.09 and above. Global Mapper v9.02 and later is required to load Lowrance USR v3 files which include depth information.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
MagicMaps IKT Files
Description:
The IKT format is used to store tracklogs generated by the MagicMaps software application. Global Mapper v10.00 and later can import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
MapInfo MIF/MID and TAB/MAP Formats
Description:
The MapInfo MIF/MID and TAB/MAP formats are both formats used by the MapInfo software package to store vector map information. Global Mapper can import and export data to these formats.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
GIS Data Depot Download Center
MapMaker DRA (Drawing) Files
Description:
The MapMaker DRA format is used by the MapMaker application to store its vector mapping data. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import data from DRA format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Marplot MIE Files
Description:
The Marplot MIE format is an ASCII vector format used for storage by the Marplot application. Global Mapper v6.07 and higher can directly import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
MicroStation DGN Format
Description:
MicroStation DGN format files are files compatible with Bentley's MicroStation product line. You will need Global Mapper v7.03 or later to import DGN files created with MicroStation v8 or later and also to export DGN format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Bentley System, Inc. Home Page
NIMA GNS (GeoNet Names Server) Format
Description:
NIMA is now able to provide complete files of geographic names information covering countries or geopolitical areas. The files are not in customary gazetteer format, but are in a special format amenable to input into geographic information systems, databases, and spreadsheets, giving end users powerful capabilities for data analysis, manipulation, and display. The files contain names for all types of features. The file fields are described in description of file fields. Names are in reading order. The files are ASCII files and are tab delimited. The files are zip files. Dates indicate when the file was generated from the database.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
NMF (ArcGIS Explorer Map) Format
Description:
Map file created by ArcGIS Explorer, a free mapping program developed by ESRI; may store terrain, coordinates, points of interest, drawn shapes, 3D environment effects, and other map objects; can also store directions, routes, and measurements; used for saving and loading custom maps as well as sharing maps online. Global Mapper v14.0 and later can load NMF format files.
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 DSDATA Geodetic Control, SDTS Format
Description:
Control point data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Geodetic Survey (NGS). Recently made available in SDTS format. Note that Global Mapper will display only the SDTS version of these data, and will not display the native NGS data sheet format.
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:
OCAD .OCD Files
Description:
This format is used by the OCAD cartography application for storing vector data. Global Mapper v9.01 and later supports importing vector data from OCAD .OCD format 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:
OpenAir Airspace Format
Description:
The OpenAir Airspace and Terrain description language is an easy to use and publicly available standard for displaying map information. Usually these are airspace.txt or terrain.txt format files and contain airspace descriptions. These files are used by the WinPilot software. Global Mapepr v14.0 and later can load these files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
OpenStreetMap (OSM) Files
Description:
The OpenStreetMap (OSM) file format is a XML-based file format used by the OpenStreetMap project. OpenStreetMap creates and provides free geographic data such as street maps to anyone who wants them. The project was started because most maps you think of as free actually have legal or technical restrictions on their use, holding back people from using them in creative, productive or unexpected ways. Automatic support for loading data in this format is provided via Global Mapper v9.03 and above. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can export any loaded vector data to new OSM XML format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
OpenStreetMap Home Page
OpenStreetMap Download Page
Orca XML
Description:
The Orca XML format is used to store obstacle information for use by Orca software. Global Mapper v12.01 and later can export loaded point and line features to Orca XML files.
OziExplorer Waypoint (WPT), Route (RTE), and Track (PLT) Files
Description:
The OziExplorer waypoint (WPT), route (RTE), and track (PLT) file formats are used to store user waypoints, routes, and track logs from GPS devices by the OziExplorer application. The WPT and TRK files can be loaded into Global Mapper v6.00 and above, and the RTE files can be loaded into v9.01 and above.
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:
Platte River ASCII Digitizer Format
Description:
The Platte River ASCII Digitizer Format, also known as the GeoGraphix Township/Range Digitizer Format, is a comma-delimited ASCII text format for land grid data. The format assumes that township and range data are stored as polygons. This is an excellent and simple way to distribute land grid data as it loads readily into GeoGraphix, Petra, and IHS Spatial Explorer, and is straightforward for writing conversions to other mapping systems. Global Mapper v8.01 and later can export loading township and range polygons to this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Platte River Format Description
Polish MP (cGPSMapper) Format
Description:
The Polish MP format is the format used by cGPSMapper and other applications that allow the creation of custom maps for Garmin GPS devices. Global Mapper v8.00 and later can both import data from MP files and export data to MP files. There is also special support for the MP_TYPE attribute that is used to specify the Garmin type code for features. If you provide a MP_TYPE attribute value in the default attribute list for a feature classification, that will be used to automatically classify features from MP files on import and to determine what type value to write for features of that type on export to new MP files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
cGPSMapper Home Page
Great Plains Mapping (GPS Lake/Hunting Maps Created using Global Mapper and cGPSMapper)
S-57 Digital Chart Files
Description:
S-57 files are used by many hydographic agencies around the world to store vector marine chart data. To load S-57 charts in Global Mapper, simply load the .000 file or load the chart file(s) directly from a .tar.gz or .zip archive. Global Mapper v6.00 and above can load files in this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts
S-63 Encrypted Digital Chart Files
Description:
S-63 files are basically encrypted S-57 charts used by many hydographic agencies around the world to store vector marine chart data. An S-63 chart is locked to a particular Global Mapper license and can only be loaded by installations using the same license that was used to request the S-63 chart files from the data provider. To load S-63 charts in Global Mapper, you must first use the File->Create S-63 User Permit File to create a permit file that you provide to the S-63 data provider. The data provider will then provide you with S-63 chart files based on that user permit. You can then load the the .000 file(s) from the provided data set, or if the data was provided in an archive file, simply directly load the .tar.gz or .zip archive. Global Mapper v11.02 and above can load files in this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
SEGP1/UKOOA Seismic Shotpoint Format
Description:
The SEGP1 and UKOOA file format is a file format used by seismographers to store seismic shotpoints. Global Mapper v7.04 and later supports loading data from the SEGP1 format. Global Mapper v9.01 and later also supports loading the UKOOA variant of SEGP1 data. Global Mapper v10.00 and later can export loaded 3D line and point vector data to new SEGP1 format files. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can export loaded data to new UKOOA P/190 format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Society of Exploration Geophysicists
SEGY Seismic Shotpoint Format
Description:
The SEGY file format is a file format used by seismographers to store seismic shotpoints. Global Mapper v13.00 and later supports loading data from the SEGY format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Society of Exploration Geophysicists
SMT KINGDOM Software Planimetric Polygon Format
Description:
The SMT KINGDOM Software Planimetric Polygon Format is a simple ASCII text format used by SMT's KINGDOM software to represent polygons. Global Mapper v8.01 and later can import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Seismic Micro-Technology (SMT) Home Page
SOSI Files
Description:
SOSI files are commonly used in Norway for storing vector data sets as well as referencing raster image files. Global Mapper v10.02 and later can import SOSI (*.sos) format files. Global Mapper v13.2 and later can export SOSI format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
SOSI File Format Specification
SPS (Shell Processing Support)
Description:
The SPS format is used for storing 3D seismic survey data. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import data from SPS format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
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 BLN Files
Description:
The Surfer BLN format is a text format used by Surfer products for storing vector boundary data. All versions of Global Mapper can export loaded area and line data to Surfer BLN files and Global Mapper v10.01 and later can directly import .bln files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Golden Software: Surfer Product Information
TAF (Italian Cadastral Exchange Format)
Description:
The CXF format is a format used for the exchange of cadastral data in Italy. Global Mapper v11.00 and later can import this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
TIGER/Line Files
Description:
The TIGER/Line files are extracts of selected geographic and cartographic information from the Census Bureau's TIGER (Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing) database. Prior to the 2007 TIGER/Line release the data come in a custom TIGER format which Global Mapper can directly import. Starting with the 2007 release, the data is released as a series of Shapefiles which any version of Global Mapper can read, but only Global Mapper v9.03 and later can automatically classify and color.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
Tobin .bas (TDRBM II) Format
Description:
The Tobin .bas (TDRBM II) format are files used by Tobin software applications to store culture and hydrography data, primarily for the US. Global Mapper v11.02 and later can directly load .bas format files.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
TomTom OV2 Files
Description:
The TomTom OV2 file format is used a TomTom Navigator POI file used to generate POI files for loading onto TomTom GPS devices. TomTom OV2 files can be exported from any loaded point data using Global Mapper v9.03 and above.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
USGS Digital Line Graph, Optional Format (DLG-O)
Description:
Vector data derived from U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps. Global Mapper will not display DLG-S data, an older format that is no longer sold or supported. Most USGS DLG-Optional data do not contain record delimiters. Global Mapper does not require that delimiters be added, and will display DLG-O data with or without delimiters. Other software may require either the absence or presence of delimiters.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
USGS Geographic Data Download Page
USGS Geographic Data Download Page
Ask USGS
USGS Digital Line Graph, Spatial Data Transfer Standard Format (DLG/SDTS)
Description:
Vector data derived from USGS topographic maps. Spatial content is equivalent to DLG-O, but physical format and metadata content are more robust. Scales are 1:24,000/25,000, 1:100,000 and 1:2,000,000. DLG/SDTS data are derived directly from DLG-O data, which continue to be produced and sold as before.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
USGS Geographic Data FTP Site
USGS Geographic Data Download Page
Ask USGS
SDTS Home Page
USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)
Description:
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) contains name and locative information about almost 2 million physical and cultural features located throughout the United States and its Territories. GNIS was developed by the USGS in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) to promote the standardization of feature names.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
USGS Land Use and Land Cover Data (LULC)
Description:
The Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data files describe the vegetation, water, natural surface, and cultural features on the land surface. The USGS provides these data sets and associated maps as a part of its National Mapping Program. The LULC mapping program is designed so that standard topographic maps of a scale of 1:250,000 can be used for compilation and organization of the land use and land cover data. In some cases, such as Hawaii, 1:100,000 scale maps are also used. Global Mapper currently supports the GIRAS format of these files. The grid cell (CTG) format is not yet supported.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
USGS Geographic Data Download Page
VPF (VMAP0, VMAP1, DNC) Files
Description:
VPF (Vector Product Format) files are used for vector data sets such as VMAP (Vector Map of the World) and DNC (Digital Nautical Chart). To load a VPF database, either select the dht file at the root of the VPF database tree or select the lht file at a lower level to load just one coverage from the database (the latter option is usually useful for DNC charts). Global Mapper v6.00 and above can load files in this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
NGA Raster Roam - VMAP Downloads
NGA Digital Nautical Charts
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:
WAsP .MAP Format
Description:
The WAsP .MAP format is an ASCII format using by the WAsP (Wind Analysis and Application Program) for representing elevation contour and terrain roughness data. Global Mapper v8.01 can both import and export this format.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
XTF (eXtended Triton) Format
Description:
The XTF format is used to store bathymetric data and side-scan sonar data. Global Mapper v11.01 and later can load data in this format, although currently only point features for each sonar ping are loaded, with attributes detailing the ping strength for each angle.
Web Pages and FTP Sites:
ZMap+ IsoMap Line and XYSegID Text Files
Description:
The ZMap+ IsoMap Line and XYSegID text file formats are simple text formats for storing line and area features for use in applications like Landmark Graphics, GeoAtlas, and several others. The IsoMap Line format only supports line features, while the XYSegID format supports both area and line features. Both formats can be imported into Global Mapper using the Generic ASCII Text File import function. Global Mapper v10.02 and later can export XYSegID files. Global Mapper v14.0 and later can export IsoMap Line files. Global Mapper v14.1 and later can load IsoMap Line files.
