Supported raster formats
|
Format | Description | Extensions | Read / Write |
Supported data types |
Supports multiband |
Supports compression |
Supports color map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) Polarimetric | AIRSAR is an instrument designed and managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). ArcGIS supports the polarimetric AIRSAR data (POLSAR). | Multiple files with an L, C, or P in the file name followed by .dat. For example: mission_l.dat (L-Band) and mission_c.dat (C-Band). | Read-only | 64-bit complex | Yes (Six bands) | ||
|
ARC Digitized Raster Graphics (ADRG) |
Distributed on CD-ROM by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). ADRG is geographically referenced using the equal arc-second raster chart/map (ARC) system in which the globe is divided into 18 latitudinal bands, or zones. The data consists of raster images and other graphics generated by scanning source documents. |
Multiple files Data file—extension *.img or *.ovr Legend file—extension *.lgg |
Read-only |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes (always three bands) |
No |
No |
|
ADRG Legend |
|||||||
|
ADRG Overview |
|||||||
|
ArcSDE Raster |
Raster data stored within an ArcSDE database. |
Stored in ArcSDE database |
Read and write |
1- and 4-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed or None |
Yes |
|
8-bit unsigned/signed integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed, JPEG, JP2, or None |
Yes |
||||
|
16-bit unsigned/signed integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed, JP2, or None |
Yes |
||||
|
32-bit unsigned/signed integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed or None |
No |
||||
|
32-bit floating point |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed or None |
No |
||||
|
64-bit double precision |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed or None |
No |
||||
|
The ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced ASCII Grid format is an ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced Grid exchange file. |
Single file—extension *.asc |
Read-only (Write—requires the ArcGIS Spatial Analyst extension) |
16-bit signed integer |
No |
No |
No |
|
|
32-bit floating point |
No |
No |
No |
||||
|
Band interleaved by line (BIL), band interleaved by pixel (BIP), band sequential (BSQ) |
This format provides a method for reading and displaying decompressed, BIL, BIP, and BSQ image data. By creating an ASCII description file that describes the layout of the image data, black-and-white, grayscale, pseudo color, and multiband image data can be displayed without translation into a proprietary format. |
Multiple files Data file—extension *.bil, *.bip, or *.bsq Header file—extension *.hdr Color map file—extension *.clr Statistics file—extension *.stx |
Read and write |
1- and 4-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
8-, 16-, and 32-bit signed and unsigned integer |
Yes |
No |
Yes | ||||
Bathymetric Attributed Grid (BAG) | The Bathymetric Attributed Grid is a nonproprietary file format for storing bathymetric data. | Single file—extension *.bag | Read-only | 32-bit floating point | No | No | No |
|
Binary Terrain (BT) |
The Binary Terrain format was created by the Virtual Terrain Project (VTP) to store elevation data in a more flexible file format. The BT format is flexible in terms of file size and spatial reference system. |
Single file—extension *.bt Projection file—extension *.prj |
Read-only (Write—developer only) |
16- and 32-bit signed integer |
No |
No |
No |
|
32-bit floating point |
No |
Unknown |
No |
||||
|
Bitmap (BMP), device-independent bitmap (DIB) format, or Microsoft Windows bitmap |
BMP files are Windows bitmap images. They are usually used to store pictures or clip art that can be moved between different applications on Windows platforms. |
Single file—extension *.bmp World file—extension *.bpw |
Read and write |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes (limited to one or three bands) |
No |
Yes |
|
BSB |
This is a compressed raster format used in the distribution of raster nautical charts by MapTech and NOAA. |
Multiple files—extensions *.bsb, *.cap, and *.kap |
Read-only |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Committee on Earth Observing Sensors (CEOS) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) | This format reads CEOS SAR image files—specifically those radar images provided from Radarsat and ERS data products. | .raw | Read-only | 8-bit unsigned integer | Yes | ||
|
Compressed ARC Digitized Raster Graphics (CADRG) |
Distributed by the NGA. CADRG/ECRG is geographically referenced using the ARC system in which the globe is divided into 18 latitudinal bands, or zones. The data consists of raster images and other graphics generated by scanning source documents. CADRG achieves a nominal compression ratio of 55:1. ECRG uses JPEG 2000 compression using a compression ratio of 20:1. |
File extension is based on specific product. You can specify which products you want ArcGIS to recognize (Customize > ArcMap Options > Raster > File Formats). |
Read-only |
8-bit unsigned integer |
No |
Vector quantization |
Yes |
|
Controlled Image Base (CIB) |
Panchromatic (grayscale) images that have been georeferenced and corrected for distortion due to topographic relief distributed by NGA. Thus, they are similar to digital orthophoto quads and have similar applications, such as serving as a base or backdrop for other data or as a simple map. |
File extension is based on specific product. You can specify which products you want ArcGIS to recognize (Customize > ArcMap Options > Raster > File Formats). |
Read-only |
8-bit unsigned integer |
No |
Vector quantization |
Yes |
|
Digital Geographic Information Exchange Standard (DIGEST) Arc Standard Raster Product (ASRP), UTM/UPS Standard Raster Product (USRP) |
DIGEST datasets are digital replicas of graphic products designed for seamless worldwide coverage. ASRP data is transformed into the ARC system and divides the earth's surface into latitudinal zones. USRP data is referenced to UTM or UPS coordinate systems. Both are based on the WGS84 datum. |
Multiple files Main raster image—extension *.img General information file—extension *.gen Georeference file—extension *.ger Source file—extension *.sou Quality file—extension *.qal Transmission header file—extension *.thf |
Read-only |
1-, 4-, and 8-bit unsigned integer |
No |
Run length encoding |
Yes |
|
The DIMAP format is an open format in the public domain; however, its primary purpose is for the distribution of data from the SPOT satellite. The format is composed of a GeoTIFF file and a metadata file. |
Directory |
Read-only |
8- and 16-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
TIFF |
TIFF |
|
|
16-bit signed integer |
Yes |
TIFF |
TIFF |
||||
|
Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) Level 0, 1, and 2 |
A simple, regularly spaced grid of elevation points based on 1 degree latitude and longitude extents. Created by NGA. |
Single file—various file extensions *.dt0, *.dt1, *.dt2. All possible file extensions are available by default (*.dt0, *.dt1, or *.dt2). |
Read Write using the Raster to DTED tool |
16-bit signed integer |
No |
No |
No |
Earth Resources Laboratory Applications Software (ELAS) | This format is from the ELAS remote sensing system used within NASA. | Single file—extension *.elas | Read-only | 8-bit unsigned integer | Yes (three bands) | ||
Enhanced Compressed ARC Raster Graphics (ECRG) |
Distributed by the NGA. CADRG/ECRG is geographically referenced using the ARC system in which the globe is divided into 18 latitudinal bands, or zones. The data consists of raster images and other graphics generated by scanning source documents. CADRG achieves a nominal compression ratio of 55:1. ECRG uses JPEG 2000 compression using a compression ratio of 20:1. |
File extension is based on specific product. You can specify which products you want ArcGIS to recognize (Customize > ArcMap Options > Raster > File Formats). |
Read-only | 8-bit unsigned integer | Yes (always three bands) | JPEG 2000 | No |
|
Enhanced Compressed Wavelet (ECW) |
ERDAS's (ER Mapper's) ECW is a propriatary format. It is a wavelet-based, lossy compression, similar to JPEG 2000. This format can be used in ArcGIS for Desktop, but when publishing, requires the ECW for ArcGIS for Server extension from ERDAS. |
Single file—extension *.ecw |
Read-only |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Wavelet |
No |
Envisat (Environmental Satellite) is an Earth-observing satellite operation by the European Space agency (ESA). This format supports Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) Level 1 and above products and some Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) and Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) products. | Multiple data files | Read-only | 8-bit unsigned integer | Yes | |||
|
ENVI Header |
When ENVI works with a raster dataset, it creates a header file containing the information the software requires. This header file can be created for multiple raster file formats. |
Header file—extension *.hdr Multiple data files—extension *.raw, *.img, *.dat, *.bsq, etc. |
Read and write (.dat—via UI) (.bsq, .img, and .raw—developer only) |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
16- and 32-bit unsigned/signed integer, and 32- and 64-bit floating point |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
||||
|
Earth Observation Satellite (EOSAT) FAST |
The EOSAT FAST format support consists of the following: FAST-L7A (Landsat TM) and FAST Rev. C. (IRS). |
Single file—extension *.fst |
Read-only |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
ER Mapper ERS |
A proprietary raster format from ER Mapper. Produced using the ER Mapper image processing software. |
Multiple files Header file—extension *.ers Data file—usually same as header file without the *.ers extension but could be any and is defined in the header file. |
Read-only |
8-, 16-, and 32-bit unsigned/signed integer, and 32-bit floating point |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
ERDAS 7.5 GIS |
Single-band thematic images produced by ERDAS 7.5 image processing software. |
Multiple files Data file—extension *.GIS Color map file—extension *.trl |
Read-only |
1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-bit unsigned integer |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
ERDAS 7.5 LAN |
Single- or multiband continuous images produced by the ERDAS 7.5 image processing software. |
Single file—extension *.lan |
Read-only |
8- and 16-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
ERDAS 7.5 RAW |
Provides a method for reading and displaying files that are not otherwise supported by another format but are formatted in such a way that the arrangement of the data can be described by a relatively small number of parameters. By creating an ASCII file that describes the layout of the raster data, it can be displayed without translation in a proprietary format. The format is defined in the ERDAS IMAGINE software. |
Single file—extension *.raw |
Read-only |
1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-bit unsigned integer |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
ERDAS IMAGINE |
Produced using IMAGINE image processing software created by ERDAS. IMAGINE files can store both continuous and discrete single-band and multiband data. |
Single file—extension *.img If image is larger than 2 GB—extension *.ige World file—extension *.igw |
Read and write |
1-, 2-, and 4-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed or None |
Yes |
|
8- or 16-bit unsigned/signed integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed or None |
Yes |
||||
|
32-bit unsigned/signed integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed or None |
No |
||||
|
32-bit floating point |
Yes |
No |
No |
||||
|
64-bit double precision |
Yes |
No |
No |
||||
|
A proprietary Esri format that supports 32-bit integer and 32-bit floating-point raster grids. Grids are useful for representing geographic phenomena that vary continuously over space and for performing spatial modeling and analysis of flows, trends, and surfaces such as hydrology. |
Directory color map file—extension *.clr |
Read and write |
32-bit signed integer |
No |
Adaptive run length compressed |
No |
|
|
32-bit floating point |
No |
No |
No |
||||
|
Used to reference multiple Esri Grids as a multiband raster dataset. A stack is stored in a directory structure similar to a grid or coverage. |
Directory |
Read and write |
32-bit signed integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed |
No |
|
|
32-bit floating point |
Yes |
No |
No |
||||
|
Esri Grid stack file |
Used to reference multiple Esri Grids as a multiband raster dataset. A stack file is a simple text file that stores the path and name of each Esri Grid contained within it on a separate line. |
Single file—possible file extension *.stk |
Read and write |
32-bit signed integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed |
No |
|
32-bit floating point |
Yes |
No |
No |
||||
|
Extensible N-Dimensional Data Format(NDF) | Format used for storing data representing n-dimensional arrays of numbers, such as images. Uses container files (directories containing files and directories) to manage the data objects. | Directory—extension *.sdf | Read-only |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Unknown |
No |
|
File geodatabase |
The geodatabase is the native data structure for ArcGIS and is the primary data format for representing and managing geographic information, such as feature classes, raster datasets, and attributes. The file geodatabase is a collection of various types of GIS datasets held in a file system folder. | Raster datasets stored within *.gdb folder | Read and write |
1- and 4-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed or None |
Yes |
|
8-bit unsigned/signed integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed, JPEG, JP2, or None |
Yes |
||||
|
16-bit unsigned/signed integer |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed, JP2, or None |
Yes |
||||
|
32-bit unsigned/signed integer or floating point |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed or None |
No |
||||
|
64-bit double precision |
Yes |
Adaptive run length compressed or None |
No |
||||
|
Floating point file |
A floating-point file is a binary file of floating-point values that represent raster data. |
Single file—extension *.flt |
Read-only (Write—only via Raster To Float tool or developer code) |
32-bit floating point |
No |
No |
No |
|
GDAL Virtual Format (VRT) |
This is a file format created by the Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL). It allows a virtual dataset to be derived from other datasets that GDAL can read. |
Single file—extension *.vrt |
Read-only (Write—developer only) |
8-, 16-, and 32-bit unsigned integer and 64-bit complex integer |
Yes |
Unknown |
Unknown |
|
Golden Software Grid (.grd) |
There are three types of Golden Software Grids that are supported: Golden Software ASCII GRID (GSAG), Golden Software Binary Grid (GSBG), and Golden Software Surfer 7 Binary Grid (GS7BG). |
Single file—extension *.grd |
Read-only (Write—developer only for GSAG and GSBG) |
32-bit floating point and 64-bit double precision |
No |
Unknown |
No |
|
Graphic Interchange Format (GIF) |
A bitmap image format generally used for small images. |
Single file—extension *.gif World file—extension *.gfw |
Read and write |
8-bit unsigned integer |
No |
LZW |
Yes |
|
GRIB |
The gridded binary format is used for the storage, transmission, and manipulation of meteorological archived data and forecast data. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is responsible for the design and maintenance of this format standard. |
Single file—extension *.grb |
Read-only |
64-bit double precision |
Yes |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Grid eXchange File | This is an ASCII format, primarily used in Geosoft. The GXF Revision 3 (GXF-3) is supported. | Single file—extension *.gxf | Read-only | Float 32 and Float 64 | No | ||
|
Hierarchical Data Format (HDF) 4 |
A self-defining file format used for storing arrays of multidimensional data. |
Single file—extension *.hdf |
Read-only (Write—developer only) |
8- and 16-bit signed integer |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
8- and 16-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
||||
|
32-bit floating point, signed integer, and unsigned integer |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
||||
Hierarchical Data Format (HDF) 5 | The next generation standard for HDF. | Single file—extension *.h5 or *.hdf5 | Read-only (Write—developer only) | 8- and 16-bit signed integer | Yes | Yes | No |
8- and 16-bit unsigned integer | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
32-bit floating point, signed integer, and unsigned integer | Yes | Yes | No | ||||
Heightfield | This is a compressed heightfield format used to support terrain data as a raster. | Single file—extension *.hf2 Gzip file—extension *.hfz | Read-only | Float 32 | No | ||
|
HGT |
Raw SRTM height files containing elevation measured in meters above sea level, in a geographic projection (latitude and longitude array), with voids indicated using -32768. | Single file—extension *.hgt | Read-only |
16-bit signed integer |
No |
Unknown |
No |
High Resolution Elevation (HRE) | HRE data is intended for a wide variety of 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 data format is similar to NITF. | Multiple files Raw image—extension *.hr* Metadata—extension *.xml | Read-only | 16-bit signed integer and 32-bit float | No | No | No |
|
IDRISI Raster Format (RST) |
File format native to IDRISI. |
Multiple files Raw image—extension *.rst Descriptor—extension *.rdc Color map—extension *.smp Georeference file—extension *.ref |
Read-only (Write—developer only) |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
16-bit signed integer |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
||||
|
32-bit floating point |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
||||
Image Display and Analysis (IDA) | File format used by WinDisp 4. | Single file—extension *.img | Read-only | 8-bit | No | ||
|
Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers (ISIS) |
ISIS Cube format as created by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for the mapping of planetary imagery. Versions 2 and 3 are supported. |
Single file—extension *.cub |
Read-only |
8-bit unsigned integer and 32-bit floating point |
No |
Unknown |
No |
ILWIS | ILWIS format for raster maps and map lists. | Raster Map—*.mpr Maplist—*.mpl | Read-only | Byte, Int16, Int32, and Float64 | Yes | ||
|
Intergraph CIT |
Intergraph's proprietary format for 16-bit imagery (CIT). |
Binary imagery—extension *.cit |
Read-only |
1-bit |
No |
CCITT Group 4 |
No |
|
Intergraph COT |
Intergraph's proprietary format for 8-bit unsigned imagery (COT). |
Grayscale imagery—extension *.cot |
Read-only |
8-bit unsigned integer |
No |
Run length encoding |
No |
|
Japanese Aerospace eXploration Agency (JAXA) PALSAR |
This format was created by the JAXA to store data from processed PALSAR data. Level 1.1 and Level 1.5 are supported. |
Single file—extension *1.5GUD, or *1.1__A. |
Read-only |
16-bit signed integer |
Yes |
Unknown |
No |
|
Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) File Interchange Format (JFIF) |
A standard compression technique for storing full-color and grayscale images. Support for JPEG compression is provided through the JFIF file format. |
Single file—extension *.jpg, *.jpeg, *.jpc, or *.jpe World file—extension *.jgw ArcCatalog only recognizes the .jpg file extension by default. To add .jpeg or .jpe files to ArcMap without renaming them, add those file extensions to ArcCatalog or drag those files from Windows Explorer into your map. |
Read and write |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes (limited to one or three bands) |
JPEG (lossy) |
No |
|
JPEG 2000 |
A compression technique especially for maintaining the quality of large imagery. Allows for a high-compression ratio and fast access to large amounts of data at any scale. |
Single file—extension *.jp2, *.j2c, *.j2k, or *.jpx |
Read and write |
8- and 16-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Wavelet (lossy) |
No |
|
Magellan Mapsend BLX/XLB format |
Magellan's BLX/XLB file format is primarily used for storing topographic data. The tile size for these files must be a multiple of 128 pixels by 128 pixels. The projection for these files is WGS84. When the file is ordered using littleendian, the file extension is BLX. If bigendian is used, the file extension is XLB format. |
Single file—extension *.blx or *.xlb |
Read-only (Write—developer only) |
16-bit signed integer |
No |
Yes (proprietary) |
No |
|
MAP |
PCRaster's raster format. |
Single file—extension *.map |
Read-only (Write—developer only) |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Single band |
No |
No |
|
32-bit signed integer |
Single band |
No |
No |
||||
|
32-bit floating point |
Single band |
No |
No |
||||
|
Multiresolution Seamless Image Database (MrSID) |
A proprietary compression technique especially for maintaining the quality of large images. Allows for a high compression ratio and fast access to large amounts of data at any scale. The MrSID Encoder is developed and supported by LizardTech, Inc. Supports generations 2, 3, and 4. |
Single file—extension *.sid World file—extension *.sdw |
Read-only |
8- and 16-bit unsigned integer |
Yes Generaion 2 and 3—limited to one or three bands Generation 4—unlimited |
Wavelet (lossy) |
No |
MrSID Lidar | MrSID generation 4 (MG4) format, used to support point clound (lidar) data. Will be rendered as a raster. View files can be used to define how the point cloud data will be viewed. | Single file—extension *.sid Optional View file—extension *.view | Read-only | 64-bit Double Precision | No | ||
|
National Imagery Transmission Format (NITF) 2.0 |
A collection of standards and specifications that allow interoperability in the dissemination of imagery and its metadata among various computer systems. Developed by the NGA. |
Single file—extension *.ntf |
Read-only |
1-, 8-, and 16-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NITF 2.1/NSIF 1.0 |
1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|||
|
1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-bit signed integer |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
||||
|
National Land Archive Production System (NLAPS) |
The NLAPS data format (NDF) is used by the USGS to distribute their Landsat MSS and TM data. |
Multiple files Main File (Header)—extension *.H1, *.H2, or *.HD Image data—extension *.I1, *.I2, etc. |
Read-only | Yes | |||
NOAA Polar Orbiter Level 1b | Support for NOAA's Polar Orbiter Data (POD); specifically for the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Level 1b digital data. | Multiple Files—extension *.1b, *.sv, and *.gc | Read-only | 16-bit unsigned integer | Yes | ||
This is a simple ASCII file used and created by PCI to read raw binary raster data. | Single File — extension *.aux | Read-only | 8-bit and 16-bit unsigned, 16-bit signed, and 32-bit real | Yes | |||
|
PCIDSK |
PCI Geomatics raster dataset format. |
Single file—extension *.pix |
Read-only (Write—developer only) |
8- and 16-bit unsigned |
Yes |
Not supported |
Not supported |
|
16-bit signed integer |
Yes |
Not supported |
No |
||||
|
32-bit floating point |
Yes |
Not supported |
No |
||||
|
Planetary Data System (PDS) |
The PDS is managed by NASA to archive and distribute data from its planetary missions. PDS version 3 is supported. |
Single file—possible extensions *.img and *.lbl |
Read-only |
16-bit signed integer |
No |
Unknown |
No |
|
Portable Network Graphics (PNG) | Provides a well-compressed, lossless compression for raster files. It supports a large range of bit depths from monochrome to 64-bit color. Its features include indexed color images of up to 256 colors and effective 100 percent lossless images of up to 16 bits per pixel. | Single file—extension *.png |
Read and write Note: ArcGIS is able to read an alpha band from an existing PNG; however, it will only write one- or three-band PNG files. |
1-, 2-, and 4-bit unsigned integer |
No |
Deflate/Inflate |
Yes |
|
8-bit unsigned integer |
*Yes (limited to one or three bands only, no alpha channel) |
Deflate/Inflate |
Yes |
||||
|
16-bit unsigned integer |
*Yes (limited to one or three bands only, no alpha channel) |
Deflate/Inflate |
No |
||||
|
RADARSAT-2 |
RADARSAT-2 satellite produces imagery using the C-band SAR and X-band frequencies. |
Directory |
Read-only |
16-bit unsigned integer and 32-bit complex integer |
Yes |
Unknown |
No |
|
Raster Product Format (RPF) |
The underlying format of CADRG and CIB. |
Single file—no standard file extension |
Read-only |
8-bit unsigned integer |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
RPF (CIB) |
8-bit unsigned integer |
No |
Vector quantization |
No |
|||
|
RPF (CADRG) |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Vector quantization |
Yes |
|||
|
RPF (ADRG) |
8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes (always three bands) |
No |
No |
|||
|
RPF (ADRG) |
8-bit unsigned integer |
No |
No |
Yes |
|||
|
Sandia Synthetic Aperture Radar (GFF) |
Sandia National Laboratories created a complex image format to accommodate the data from its synthetic aperture radar. |
Single file —extension *.gff |
Read-only |
16-bit and 32-bit complex integer |
Unknown |
Unknown |
No |
SAGA GIS Binary Grid | SAGA binary grid datasets are composed of an ASCII header (.sgrd) and a binary data (.sdat) file with a common basename. Select the .sdat file to access the dataset. | Multiple files—extension *.sdat and *.sgrd. | 8-, 16-, and 32-bit unsigned integer, 16- and 32-bit signed integer, Float 32, and 64-bit | Yes | |||
|
The HGT format is used to store elevation data from the SRTM. SRTM-3 and SRTM-1 v2 files can be displayed. |
Single file—extension *.hgt |
Read-only (Write—developer only) | |||||
|
Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS) digital elevation model (DEM) |
The SDTS was created by the USGS. The purpose of this format was to transfer digital geospatial data between various computer systems in a compatible format that would not lose any information. |
Multiple files—extension *.ddf The actual elevation file that ArcGIS reads is named *CATD.DDF. |
Read-only |
16-bit signed integer or 32-bit floating point |
No |
No |
No |
|
Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) (GeoTIFF tags are supported.) |
Widespread use in the desktop publishing world. It serves as an interface to several scanners and graphic arts packages. TIFF supports black and white, grayscale, pseudo color, and true color images, all of which can be stored in a compressed or decompressed format. BigTIFF is supported. |
Single file—possible file extensions *.tif, *.tiff, and *.tff World file—extension *.tfw ArcCatalog only recognizes the .tif file extension by default. To add .tiff or .tff files to ArcMap without renaming them, add those file extensions to ArcCatalog or drag those files from Windows Explorer into your map. |
Read and write |
No |
CCITT (1D), CCITT Group 3, CCITT Group 4, Packbits, LZW, or None |
Yes |
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4-bit unsigned integer |
No |
Packbits, LZW, or None |
Yes |
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8-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
Packbits, LZW, JPEG (lossy), or None |
Yes |
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8-bit signed integer |
No |
No |
No |
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16-bit unsigned integer |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
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16-bit signed integer |
No |
No |
No |
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32-bit singed/unsigned integer or floating point |
No |
No |
No |
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Terragen terrain |
The Terragen terrain file was created by Planetside Software. It stores elevation data. |
Single file—possible file extensions *.ter or *.terrain |
Read-only (Write—developer only) |
16-bit signed integer |
No |
Unknown |
No |
TerraSAR-X | The TerraSAR-X radar satellite produces earth observation data using the X-band SAR. | Directory | Read-only | ||||
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This format consists of a raster grid of regularly spaced elevation values derived from the USGS topographic map series. In their native format, they are written as ANSI-standard ASCII characters in fixed-block format. |
Single file—extension *.dem (need to change .dat extension to .dem) |
Read-only |
16-bit signed integer |
No |
No |
No |
|
| USGS Digital Orthophoto Quadrangels (DOQ) | This is the new, labeled DOQ (DOQ2) format from the USGS. | Single file—possible file extensions *.doq, *.nes, *.nws, *.ses, or *.sws | Read-only | 8-bit unsigned integer | Yes | Yes | |
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XPixMap (XPM) |
Stores color images in a format consisting of an ASCII image and a C library. |
Single file—extension *.xpm |
Read-only (Write—developer only) |
8-bit unsigned integer |
No |
No |
Yes |