DT1 File – What is .dt1 file and how to open it?
DT1 File Extension
DTED Level 1 File – file format by National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
DT1 (DTED Level 1 File) is a digital elevation data format developed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. It is a high-resolution terrain data format that is used in a variety of applications, including mapping, flight simulation, and military planning.
Definition and Technical Specifications
A DT1 file is a geospatial data format used to store Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) Level 1. DTED is a comprehensive dataset that provides elevation data at a high resolution, typically in 1 arc-second or approximately 30 meters per pixel. DT1 files specifically contain elevation data in a grid format, where each cell represents the elevation value at a specific latitude and longitude. These files adhere to strict standards set by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Each DT1 file covers a specific geographical area, typically covering one degree of latitude by one degree of longitude.
Applications and Significance
DT1 files play a vital role in various applications, including military operations, land-use planning, cartography, and disaster management. They provide detailed elevation information that can be used for terrain analysis, route planning, and modeling of natural disasters. Additionally, DT1 files are compatible with a wide range of GIS (Geographic Information System) software, making them easily accessible and usable by professionals and researchers alike. The accuracy and precision of DT1 data make them particularly valuable for applications where precise elevation information is required. By providing a standardized format for elevation data, DT1 files facilitate the seamless exchange and integration of geospatial information across different systems and platforms.
Understanding DT1 Files
DT1 files are geospatial data files containing elevation and terrain information. They adhere to the DTED (Digital Terrain Elevation Data) Level 1 specification developed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). DT1 files provide critical information for applications such as military planning, flight simulation, and terrain modeling. They offer detailed terrain data for large areas, including elevation, slope, and aspect, making them essential for accurate and realistic geospatial representations.
Opening DT1 Files
To access the data stored in DT1 files, specialized software applications designed to handle geospatial data are required. These applications provide the necessary functionality to import, view, and analyze DT1 files. Some popular software options include:
- ArcGIS: A comprehensive geographic information system (GIS) software package that can open, edit, and analyze DT1 files.
- QGIS: An open-source GIS software that supports the import and display of DT1 files.
- MicroDEM: A specialized software specifically designed for processing and analyzing terrain data, including DT1 files.
When using these software applications, users can import DT1 files and visualize the terrain information on a map or in 3D. They can also perform further analysis, such as creating contour lines, slope maps, and other geospatial derivatives.
DT1 File Format: A Global Elevation Model
The DTED Level 1 File (DT1) file format, developed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, plays a crucial role in representing global elevation data. This format serves as the foundation for the Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) series, a collection of datasets that provide detailed topographic information worldwide. DT1 files are characterized by their resolution of one arc-second, corresponding to approximately 30 meters at the equator, and their ability to represent elevations ranging from -100 to 65535 meters above sea level.
The data contained within DT1 files is collected through various methods, such as aerial photography, satellite imagery, and ground-based measurements. These data points are organized into a regular grid, with each grid cell representing a specific geographic location on Earth. The elevation value stored in a DT1 file represents the average height above sea level within the corresponding grid cell. This comprehensive dataset enables the creation of highly accurate digital elevation models (DEMs), which are essential for a wide range of applications, including navigation, terrain analysis, and environmental studies.