M77T File – What is .m77t file and how to open it?
M77T File Extension
MGD77T Data File – file format by National Geophysical Data Center
M77T (MGD77T Data File) is a binary format developed by the National Geophysical Data Center for storing total field magnetic data collected by ship. The data is stored in a series of records, each of which contains a header and a data section.
Definition and Purpose of M77T Files
An M77T file is a type of data file developed by the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC). It is used to store marine gravity data, specifically the gravity anomalies measured over the ocean surface. These data are derived from measurements collected using marine gravimeters, which are instruments used to measure the Earth’s gravity field at sea.
M77T files contain various information related to the gravity measurements, including the gravity anomaly data, the measurement time and location, and the metadata (e.g., instrument settings, calibration parameters). This data format is designed to efficiently store and manage large datasets of marine gravity measurements. It allows scientists and researchers to access, analyze, and visualize gravity data, which is essential for studying the Earth’s gravity field and its variations over time.
Opening M77T Files in Software
M77T files, also known as MGD77T Data Files, can be opened and processed using specialized software designed to handle geophysical data. One such program is the Generic Mapping Tools (GMT), an open-source software suite commonly used for processing and visualizing geoscientific data. GMT provides a range of commands and tools for importing, manipulating, and displaying M77T files, allowing users to explore and analyze the contained data.
For users seeking a commercial alternative, ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro is another geospatial software solution capable of opening and working with M77T files. ArcGIS Pro offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features for data management, mapping, and analysis, providing users with advanced capabilities for exploring and utilizing M77T data.
Manual Opening of M77T Files
In cases where specialized software is unavailable, M77T files can be manually opened as text files using a simple text editor such as Notepad or TextEdit. While this method allows for basic viewing of the file’s contents, it does not provide the functionality or tools necessary for processing and analyzing the data. Hence, it is recommended to use dedicated software for a comprehensive and efficient handling of M77T files.
MGD77T Data File (M77T)
The M77T file extension is associated with the MGD77T Data File format, a proprietary data format developed by the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC). The MGD77T format is used to store gravity and magnetic data collected from marine geophysical surveys. This format was developed in the 1970s and is still widely used today by researchers and industry professionals.
M77T files contain a header record followed by a series of data records. The header record contains information about the survey, including the ship’s name, the survey date, and the location of the survey. Each data record contains gravity and magnetic data measurements, as well as navigation information such as latitude, longitude, and depth. The M77T format is a flexible format that can accommodate a variety of different data types, including seismic data, bathymetric data, and water column data.