HGT File – What is .hgt file and how to open it?

lightbulb

HGT File Extension

SRTM Elevation Data File – file format by N/A

HGT (SRTM Elevation Data File) is a file format used to store elevation data acquired from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). It contains a grid of elevation values, with each cell representing a specific geographic location. HGT files are commonly used in mapping, GIS, and other applications that require elevation data.

HGT File Format

A HGT file is a binary file format used to store elevation data for a portion of the Earth’s surface. HGT files are typically used in conjunction with other spatial data, such as aerial photography or satellite imagery, to create topographic maps or terrain models. HGT files have a regular grid structure, with each cell representing the elevation at a specific latitude and longitude. The resolution of the grid varies depending on the specific HGT file, but common resolutions include 1 arc-second, 3 arc-seconds, and 15 arc-seconds.

Creation and Distribution

HGT files are typically created using data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), a joint project between the United States, Germany, and Italy. SRTM data was collected between February 11 and March 22, 2000, using the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The SRTM mission collected elevation data for almost the entire Earth’s surface, with the exception of the poles. HGT files are available for download from the USGS Earth Explorer website.

Opening HGT Files in GIS Software

HGT files are spatial data files that store elevation data in a grid format. They are commonly used in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) applications for terrain visualization and analysis. To open an HGT file in GIS software, follow these steps:

  1. Launch your GIS software.
  2. Click on the “File” menu and select “Open.”
  3. In the “Open” dialogue box, navigate to the folder where the HGT file is located.
  4. Select the HGT file and click on the “Open” button.

The HGT file will be loaded into the GIS software, and you can view the elevation data as a digital elevation model (DEM). You can also perform various GIS operations on the DEM, such as terrain analysis, slope calculations, and hydrological modeling.

Alternative Methods

Apart from GIS software, there are other methods to open HGT files:

  • Online GIS Viewers: Several online GIS viewers, such as GeoViewer and Mapbox, allow you to view HGT files without installing any software. Simply upload the HGT file to the viewer, and it will display the elevation data.

  • Conversion Tools: HGT files can be converted to other formats, such as GeoTIFF or ASCII, using conversion tools. After conversion, these files can be opened in a wider range of software applications, including image viewers and GIS software.

HGT File Format and Usage

HGT files, short for SRTM Elevation Data Files, are binary files that store terrain elevation data derived from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Developed by NASA, the SRTM collected radar data on Earth’s surface, resulting in detailed elevation measurements with a resolution of approximately 90 meters. Each HGT file represents a specific geographical area, typically covering a square of one degree latitude by one degree longitude.

The HGT file format consists of a header section followed by elevation data. The header contains metadata about the file, including the latitude and longitude of the center of the area covered, the file’s resolution, and other information. The elevation data is stored as 16-bit signed integers, with each value representing the elevation of the terrain at a particular point within the covered area. Higher elevation values correspond to higher terrain, while lower values indicate lower terrain. HGT files are commonly used in geographic information systems (GIS) software for creating detailed terrain models and visualizations.

Other Extensions