What is a .HGT file?
The .HGT file extension stands for a type of data file used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), specifically known as an SRTM Elevation Data File. This file format was developed as part of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), a project by NASA to collect elevation data of the Earth's surface. The data in these files helps in creating detailed 3D models of the Earth's terrain.
The .HGT files contain elevation data points captured from space during NASA missions. These files can have a very high level of detail, with some providing data resolution down to one arcsecond, which roughly translates to about 30 meters on the ground. This high resolution allows scientists and researchers to analyze the shape and features of the Earth's surface with great accuracy.
These files are particularly useful for various applications including mapping, urban planning, environmental studies, and simulation of natural processes like water flow or landslides. They are also used in creating visual representations of the Earth's topography, which can be helpful in education and in presentations.
To view or manipulate .HGT files, you can use several specialized software programs. Some of the programs that can open these files include: 1. **DG Terrain Viewer** - A tool specifically designed for viewing terrain data. 2. **Safe Software FME Desktop** - A versatile tool that can handle data transformation and integration for various types of GIS data. 3. **ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop** - A comprehensive GIS application that allows for detailed analysis and visualization of geographic data. 4. **DG SRTM Void Killer** - This program helps in fixing missing data areas in .HGT files, known as "voids." 5. **VTBuilder** - This application can be used for creating and managing terrain datasets.
It's important to note that some .HGT files might contain "voids" or missing data areas, which occurred due to limitations in the data collection during the space missions. These voids have often been filled using interpolation methods by various organizations to ensure the continuity and usefulness of the data. For example, newer versions of the dataset, like "Version 2" and "Version 2.1," include these modifications.
The naming convention of .HGT files typically includes the longitude and latitude coordinates that the file covers. For instance, a file named N00W177.hgt would cover the area from 0 to 1 degree North latitude and from 177 to 178 degrees West
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