Standard format for the transmission of gridded data

Abstract

In recent times it has become commonplace for airborne geophysical contractors and others to provide gridded data tapes to clients as well as located tapes. The reason for this is the widespread use of image processing systems in the interpretation of such data. There is a need to standardise these gridded data sets as the format varies from contractor to contractor and hence they are often difficult to transmit from one system to another. The advent of PC based imaging systems has compounded the above problem since very few PC based systems have a magnetic tape drive. Methods of transmission vary on PC systems but include direct connection, connection via modem and floppy disc transmission. There is a need for a standard format compatible with all these modes of data transmission for gridded data.