File Extension Database

Open DEM File

In today's digital world, there are various file formats available to store and exchange information. One such file format is the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) file, which is widely used in GIS software and applications. The DEM file format is primarily used in representing geographic data and implementing terrain elevation models. However, apart from geographic data representation, there are multiple ways to open and use DEM files. This article will discuss the possible formats and methods to open, manipulate, and use DEM files for different purposes.

Opening DEM Files

DEM files can be opened and utilized by various GIS applications like ArcGIS, Global Mapper, and QGIS. These software programs allow users to visualize and analyze the DEM data, providing insights into the terrain elevation and geographical characteristics. Apart from professional GIS tools, users can also open DEM files using Google Earth to explore and visualize the digital elevation model. Here are some popular applications and methods to open DEM files:

ArcGIS

ArcGIS is a powerful Geographic Information System (GIS) software developed by ESRI. It is widely used by professionals to visualize, manage and analyze geospatial data. To open DEM files in ArcGIS, you can follow the given steps: Adding Rasters to a Mosaic Dataset in ArcGIS.

Global Mapper

Global Mapper is another GIS software that is capable of opening and processing DEM files. It provides various tools for mapping, editing, and analyzing geospatial data. To open a DEM file in Global Mapper, click on 'File' and then 'Open Data File(s)' or simply drag the file into the Global Mapper interface. More information can be found at Blue Marble Geographics.

QGIS

QGIS is an open-source GIS software that is popular among GIS professionals and enthusiasts. It supports a wide range of file formats, including DEM files. To open a DEM file in QGIS, go to 'Layer' and select 'Add Raster Layer.' More details on using QGIS can be found at the Official QGIS website.

Google Earth

Google Earth is a user-friendly geospatial application that gives access to satellite imagery and geographic data, including the ability to visualize DEM files. To open DEM files in Google Earth, you can convert the DEM file to a format readable by Google Earth, like KML or KMZ, using any GIS software, and then open the converted file in Google Earth. More information can be found on the Google Earth website.

DEM File Formats

There are multiple formats available for storing DEM files, each having its own set of features and specifications. Some of the common DEM file formats are:

USGS DEM format

USGS DEM is a commonly used file format developed by the United States Geological Survey for storing digital elevation model data. The file format stores elevation data in a regular grid and can be used in various GIS applications. More information can be found at the USGS DEM website.

DTED (Digital Terrain Elevation Data)

DTED is a format used by the military to store digital terrain elevation data. It is commonly found in military mapping applications and other GIS systems. The format is developed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). More information can be found on the NGA website.

SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission)

SRTM is a popular DEM format developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The data is collected through the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which aims to generate the most accurate and complete global topographic dataset. More information can be found at the SRTM website.

DEM File Important Information

DEM files are widely used in GIS applications to represent geographic data, analyze terrain elevation, and understand geospatial characteristics. Choosing the appropriate DEM file format and software to open and manipulate the data is crucial for achieving accurate and efficient results. Be sure to select the format that best suits your needs and consult the relevant resources and websites for more information on opening and using DEM files in various applications.

How Can I Open DEM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open DEM file is to find a DEM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DEM file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open DEM file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as DEM file opener then try to search online for "DEM viewer", "application to open DEM file" or "open DEM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open DEM file

How Can I Open DEM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a DEM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DEM file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with DEM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as DEM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open DEM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open DEM file then try to search for "DEM viewer", "application to open DEM file" or "read DEM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read DEM file

How Can I Open DEM File on Android

If you downloaded a DEM file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded DEM file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "DEM".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "DEM viewer", "DEM file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open DEM File on iPhone or iPad

To open DEM File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the DEM file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "DEM". This way you can find apps which can open DEM files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "DEM viewer" or "DEM file" online in your favorite search engine.

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