File Format Export Recommendations from Surfer

Four File Format types are available for export from Surfer: grid, data, base map, and 3D. Base map formats fall into three groups: raster, vector, and metafile. Your export format choice depends on the content type and intended use. Here are some common scenarios with recommended export formats.

Export Scenario 

Format Recommendation

Publication on the web SVG or PNG
Publication in print TIF (at least 300 dpi) or vector PDF
Insertion into PowerPoint or Word EMF
Use in GIS (and you want attributes) SHP or MIF
Use in GIS (and you want attributes and colors) MIF
Use in GIS/CAD (and you want colors) DXF or MIF
Use in GIS/CAD (and you want Z values of contour lines) DXF or SHP
Use in other Golden Software applications GSI
Use in Google Earth KML or KMZ
Use as a background image GeoTIFF or GeoPDF
Print to a 3D printer STL or VRML
Show a 3D model to clients or coworkers 3D PDF

 

Grid Files

Grid files (e.g. ADF, ASC, DEM, GRD) consist of grid nodes or cells located at specific x,y coordinates, each with corresponding z values.

Surfer supports grid files with evenly spaced nodes or cells, although some may have uneven spacing. The grid file defines x, y limits, node spacing, and null values, and maintains consistent information. Grids can be saved in Surfer to create contours, watersheds, or perform calculations. The x,y, and z data remain constant across formats, so choose a compatible format. If you primarily use Surfer, save grids in its default format. If you use ArcMap, select a supported ESRI format (ADF, ASC, or FLT).

For guidance on creating grid files in Surfer, refer to the Surfer Gridding Training Video.

Surfer grid files contain evenly-spaced nodes of x,y,z values, and can be used to create contour maps.

Data Files

Data files (e.g., CSV, DAT, TXT, XLSX) are used to store raw data, including important information such as x, y coordinates, z values, and labels. 

You can save Surfer worksheets without altering their content. If you're working with large datasets, storing them in XLS or XLSX formats may result in data loss. XLS can handle up to 65,536 rows and 256 columns, whereas XLSX allows for a much larger capacity of 1,048,576 rows and 16,384 columns!

Data files, like XLSX and TXT files, can be used to create maps in Surfer

Base Maps

The three primary types of base map files are raster images, vector files, and metafiles.

Raster maps, which encompass image maps and 3D surfaces, are in raster format. In contrast, lines and text utilize vector format, which allows for quality preservation during resizing. Moreover, vector files tend to be smaller than raster files. Metafiles do not include spatial references, coordinate system information, or attribute/Z values. When used in Word or PowerPoint or re-imported into Surfer, metafiles can be broken down to access their individual components.

Base Map: Raster Image Files

Raster images (e.g. JPG, GeoTIFF) show exactly what appears on the screen and are great for sharing maps in emails, reports, presentations, or publications. These files allow georeferencing in Surfer but do not permit editing individual elements like line styles and text; color attributes can be adjusted with image processing software.

All formats export an image from your Surfer project, with choices varying mainly by compression, transparency, or publication requirements. Each format enables you to set pixel size, resolution (dpi/ppi), document size (in or cm), and color formats, and can include spatial reference information (real-world XY coordinates).

Raster image files like JPGs and PNGs can be used to create base maps in Surfer.

Base Map: Vector Files

Vector files (e.g., DXF, KML, MIF, SHP, PDF) contain object entities such as polylines, polygons, points, text, and images.

Numerous vector formats are available, each carrying distinct information. Some formats include color, support coordinate data, include spatial reference information, and enable text and imagery, while others do not. The format you ultimately export will depend on your data requirements and the intended use of the file. 

Vector files like DXFs and SHPs can be used in Surfer to cretae base maps or grid files.

Base Map: Metafiles

Metafile formats blend raster and vector data. EMF (Windows Enhanced Metafile) and WMF (Windows Metafile) are ideal for inserting maps into reports and presentations, as they closely resemble the original appearance.

Metafiles like EMFs and WMFs can be used to create base maps in Surfer.

3D Files

Three-dimensional (3D) files (e.g., 3D PDF, VRML, STL) provide true 3D viewing options in various programs. A 3D PDF is designed for clients and is to be viewed in applications such as Adobe Acrobat. Alternatively, a grid file can be saved as an STL file for 3D printing. When exporting to a 3D file, options include setting vertical exaggeration (for differing XY and Z units) and adjusting quality.

Create 3D visualizations in Surfer and export them to 3D file formats such as VRML and 3D PDF

A single file format may not fulfill all needs. In many typical cases, an alternative format might align more closely with your requirements. For further information, visit the File Format Chart help page and click on file types for comprehensive descriptions. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

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