Hierarchical Data Format .HDF File Description

 

The Hierarchical Data Format filter imports and exports data sets in Hierarchical Data Format (HDF) Version 4.

 

File Description

Hierarchical Data Format, commonly abbreviated HDF, HDF4, or HDF5 is a library and multi-object file format for the transfer of graphical and numerical data between computers. It was created by the NCSA, but is currently maintained by The HDF Group. The freely available HDF distribution consists of the library, command-line utilities, test suite source, Java interface, and the Java-based HDF Viewer (HDFView).

 

HDF supports several different data models, including multidimensional arrays, raster images, and tables. Each defines a specific aggregate data type and provides an API for reading, writing, and organizing the data and metadata. New data models can be added by the HDF developers or users.

 

HDF is self-describing, allowing an application to interpret the structure and contents of a file without any outside information. One HDF file can hold a mixture of related objects which can be accessed as a group or as individual objects. Users can create their own grouping structures called "vgroups."

 

File Name Extensions

.HDF

 

Format(s) Supported for Import

·      3D uniform lattice; 8-, 16-, 32-bit integer, float, double

·      3D rectilinear lattice; 8-, 16-, 32-bit integer, float, double

·      3D curvilinear lattice; 8-, 16-, 32-bit integer, float, double

·       point data

 

Format(s) Supported for Export

·      3D uniform lattice; 8-, 16-, 32-bit integer, float, double

·      3D rectilinear lattice; 8-, 16-, 32-bit integer, float, double

·      3D curvilinear lattice; 8-, 16-, 32-bit integer, float, double

·       point data

 

Import Method

Choose the File | Import command.

 

Import Options

Specify import options in the Lattice Import Options dialog.

 

Export Method

Choose the File | Save Data command.

 

Export Options

Specify export options in the Hierarchical Data Format .HDF Export Options dialog ifthe lattice contains one or more blanked nodes. See Export Blanking Options.

 

 

See Also

File Format Chart

Hierarchical Data Format .HDF Export Options Dialog

Export Blanking Options

File | Import