File structure

Files in ASCII format can have their data arranged in fixed columns or in free format. An info file defines which parts of the ASCII file contain the data that is needed by HIPS and SIPS.

In XYZ files the data includes coordinates as well as a depth or height value. These numeric values, which can be called fields, or attributes, can be separated in each line by a space or other delimiter.

The first part of the file defines what character is used in the ASCII file as a delimiter or spacer between the fields of data in each line. Then it specifies the number of spaces or lines to be skipped between the beginning of the file and the start of the essential data, for example, if some lines contain a file header that is not needed for the HIPS process.

Next, the*.info file locates the essential position information used by HIPS when reading ASCII sounding datum files: the X, Y,Z coordinates. For fixed-width formatted files, this is done by defining the starting position and length of each column containing coordinate data. (This function is optional for delimited files.)

There are options to define a multiplier or offset if it is needed to transform a value when it is used by HIPS. For example, the value may be stored with an implied decimal point, and the multiplier will need to be applied to convert the ASCII value.

The sample file xyzformatinformation.info (displayed below) is included in the installed Template directory.