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Graphics File Formats FAQ (Part 3 of 4): Where to Get File Format Specifications


From: jdm@ora.com
Newsgroups: comp.graphics.misc,comp.answers,news.answers
Subject: Graphics File Formats FAQ (Part 3 of 4): Where to Get File Format Specifications
Supersedes: <graphics/fileformats-faq-3-849730784@ora.com>
Followup-To: poster
Date: 20 Jan 1997 00:13:08 -0800
Organization: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
Sender: jdm@ruby.ora.com
Expires: 02/24/97 00:13:00
Message-ID: <graphics/fileformats-faq-3-853747980@ora.com>
References: <graphics/fileformats-faq-1-853747980@ora.com>
Reply-To: jdm@ora.com (James D. Murray)
Summary: This document answers many of the most frequently asked 
        questions about graphics file formats on Usenet.
Keywords: FAQ, GRAPHICS, FORMAT, IMAGE, MULTIMEDIA, 3D

Posted-By: auto-faq 3.1.1.2
Archive-name: graphics/fileformats-faq/part3
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-modified: 20Jan97

Graphics File Formats FAQ (Part 3 of 4): Where to Get File Format
Specifications

------------------------------

This FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) list contains information on
graphics file formats, including, raster, vector, metafile, Page
Description Language, 3D object, animation, and multimedia formats.

This FAQ is divided into four parts, each covering a different area of
graphics file format information:

  Graphics File Formats FAQ (Part 1 of 4): General Graphics Format Questions
  Graphics File Formats FAQ (Part 2 of 4): Image Conversion and Display Programs
  Graphics File Formats FAQ (Part 3 of 4): Where to Get File Format Specifications
  Graphics File Formats FAQ (Part 4 of 4): Tips and Tricks of the Trade

Please email contributions, corrections, and suggestions about this FAQ to
jdm@ora.com. Relevant information posted to newsgroups will not
automatically make it into this FAQ.

-- James D. Murray

------------------------------

Subject: 0. Contents of Where to Get File Format Specifications 
Subjects marked with <NEW> are new to this FAQ. Subjects marked with <UPD>
have been updated since the last release  of this FAQ.

I. General questions about this FAQ

0. Maintainer's Comments
1. What's new in this latest FAQ release?

II. Where to Get File Format Specifications

3DMF - QuickDraw 3D Metafile
3DS - Autodesk 3D Studio
ABF - Adobe Binary Screen Font
ADI - AutoCAD Device-Independent Binary Plotter Format
AFM - Adobe Font Metrics File Format
AI - Adobe Illustrator File Format
ART - Another Ray Tracer
Atari ST Graphics File Formats
AVS - Application Visualization System
AWD - Microsoft Fax At Work Document
BDF - Adobe Glyph Bitmap Distribution Format
BIN - SGI Powerflip
BMP - Windows Bitmap Format
BRender
BRL-CAD - Ballistic Research Laboratory CAD
BUFR - Binary Universal Form for the Representation of Meteorological Data
BYU - BYU Movie
CAD-3D
CALS - Computer Aided Acquisition and Logistics Support Raster Format
CAM - Casio Camera
CCITT - CCITT Group 3 and Group 4 Encoding
CDF - Common Data Format
CDF - Cyberspace Description Format
CDL - CADKey CADL Language
CGM - Computer Graphics Metafile
CIF
CMP - LeadView
CMU - Carnegie Mellon University Formats
COB - Calgari trueSpace2 File Format
CXS
Cyberware
DEM - Digital Elevation Model
DGN - Microstation
DKB - DKB-Trace
DLG - Digital Line Graph
DPX - Digital Moving Picture Exchange
DRW - Micrografx Designer/Draw Plus Format
DWB - Coryphaeus Software Designers Workbench
DWG - Autodesk drawing
DXF - Autodesk Drawing eXchange Format
EMF - Microsoft Enhanced Metafile
ENFF - Extended Neutral File Format
EPS - Encapsulated PostScript
FACT
FBM - Fuzzy Bitmap
FFIVW - File Format for the Interchange of Virtual Worlds
FITS - Flexable Image Transport System
FLASHPIX
FLT - MultiGen Flight
GDS - McDonnell-Douglas Things
GFO - SGI Radiosity
GIF - Graphics Interchange Format
GKS - Graphics Kernel System
GrADS - Metafile
GRASP - Graphical System for Presentation
GRIB - Gridded Binary
HDF - Hierarchical Data Format
HDS - Hierarchical Data System
HPGL - Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language
HPPCL - Hewlett-Packard Printer Control Language
HRF - Hitachi Raster Format
IFF - Electronic Arts Interchange File Format
IGES - Initial Graphics Exchange Specification
IM - Performer
IMA - Zenographics Mirage Graphics File Format
IMJ - Image JPEG
INGR - Intergraph Raster File Format
IRTP - Graphicon-2000 Interactive Real-Time PHIGS
IV - SGI Inventor
IV-VRML - Inventor VRML Format
JBIG - Joint Bilevel Image Group
JCAMP
JFIF - JPEG File Interchange Format
LSA/LSB - Lightscape Technologies ASCII and Binary
LWOB - Lightwave Object Format
MedFileS
MGF - Materials and Geometry Format
MIFF - Magick Image File Format
MNG - Multiple Network Graphics
MSDL - Manchester Scene Description Language
MTL - Wavefront
NAPLPS - North American Presentation Layer Protocol Syntax
netCDF - Network Common Data Format
NFF - Haines Neutral File Format
NFF - WorldToolKit Neutral File Format
NITF - National Imagery Transmission Format
OBJ - Wavefront Object
ODIF - Open Document Interchange Format
ODL - Object Description Language
OFF - Object File Format
OpenMath
PBM - Portable Bitmap
PCX - ZSoft Paint
PDF - Portable Document Format
PDS - Planetary Data System Format
PGM - Portable Greymap
PHD - PolyHedra Database
PIC - Lotus PIC Graphics Format
PIC - Micrografx Draw! Graphics Format
PIC - Pegasus Imaging Corporation Format
PIC - Video Show Graphics Format
PICT - Macintosh Picture
PIX - Inset Pix
PLY - ZipPack
PNG - Portable Network Graphics
PPM - Portable Pixmap
POL - InnovMetric Software Polygon Models Format
POV - Persistence of Vision Raytracing
PS - PostScript
PSD - Adobe Photoshop
PTU - Performer Terrain Utilities
QT - QuickTime
QTVR - QuickTime VR
RAD - Radience
RAS - Sun Rasterfile
RAW - Photoshop RAW
RAY - Rayshade
RFT-DCA - Revisable-Form Text Document Content Architecture
RIB - Renderman Interface Bytestream
RIFF - Microsoft Resource Interchange File Format
RIX - ColoRIX Image File
RTF - Rich Text Format
RWX - MEME Shape File
RWX - Criterion RenderWare
S1K - S1000 Simnet Format
SAF - Standard Archive Format
SAIF - Spatial Archive Interchange Format
SAT - ACIS
Scene
Scitex HandShake Formats
SCN - SCeNe RTrace
SDL - Alias Wavefront Scene Description Language
SDML - Spacial Data Modeling Language
SDTS - Spatial Data Transfer Standard
SFF - Scene File Format
SGI - Silicon Graphics Image File Format
SHG - Segmented Hyper-Graphic
Softimage
SPIFF - Still Picture Interchange File Format
STL - Stereolithography Interface Format
TDDD - Imagine Object File Format
TGA - Truevision (Targa) File Format
TIFF - Tag Image File Format
TRIF - Tiled Raster Interchange Format
TTF - TrueType Font
Type 42 Font Format
URT - Utah Raster Toolkit
VCA - Visual Clip Art
VICAR - Video Image Communication and Retrieval
VIFF - Visualization Image File Format
VIT - VITec Scanner Raster Format
VPF - Vector Product Format
VRML - Virtual Reality Modeling Language
WebOOGL - Web Object Oriented Graphics Library
WMF - Windows Meta File
WPG - WordPerfect Graphics Metafile
X3D - x3d and xdart Formats
XBM - X BitMap
XOF - RenderMorphics
XPM - X PixMap
WSQ - Wavelet-packet Scalar Quantization Format
XWD - X Window Dump

III. Document Sources

0. U.S. Government and Military Standards Sources
1. International Standards Document Sources
2. Commercial Document Sources
3. Other Standards Sources

IV. Kudos and Assertions

0. Acknowledgments
1. About The Author
2. Disclaimer
3. Copyright Notice


------------------------------

Subject: I. General questions about this FAQ

------------------------------

Subject: 0. Maintainer's Comments

One of the reasons you are looking through this FAQ collection is most
likely to locate the specification for one or more graphics file formats.
That assumption on my part makes this file one of the most important parts
of the Graphics File Formats FAQ collection. I therefore wish to make this
section as complete as possible.

If you have any suggestions for formats to include then please email me at
jdm@ora.com and let me know!

------------------------------

Subject: 1. What's new in this latest FAQ release?

  o Many URLs updated
  o Updated MNG and PNG (thanks Tom)

------------------------------

Subject: II. Where to Get File Format Specifications

This section contains an alphabetical listing of file formats, the
names of the creators/caretakers, and where to obtain the official
specifications, and a brief description of each format.
                              
If you are searching for detailed information on the internals of a
file format, then I suggest you check out the resources listed here,
and have a look at the books and journals articles listed in Part 1
of this FAQ.

Each format section contains a common header that is a quick reference to
the file format.

         Type: Bitmap, Vector, Metafile, 3D, VRML, general data, PDL, multimedia
    Extension: File extension(s) or type
      Version: Latest version number
  Compression: All supported compression methods
  Color Depth: Pixel depth and maximum number of colors supported
   Maintainer: Who created and/or maintains the format
Specification: Where to get a copy of the format

------------------------------

Subject: 3DMF - QuickDraw 3D Metafile

         Type: 3D
    Extension: 3DMF
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Apple Computer
Specification: http://product.info.apple.com/qd3d/3DMFspec.HTML
               http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/files/3DMF.pdf

Apple's 3D Metafile is a format used for the storage and interchange of
3D data.

------------------------------

Subject: 3DS - Autodesk 3D Studio

         Type: 3D
    Extension: 3ds
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Autodesk
Specification: http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/h_3ds.html
               http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/h_3DS_details.html
               http://homepage.eznet.net/~frac/3dsform.txt

3DS is the native file format of Autodesk's 3D Studio program.
3D Studio is an interactive 3D modeling, rendering and animation
package from the makers of AutoCAD. 3DStudio runs under MS-DOS
and is used to create three-dimensional, photo-realistic images
for a variety of applications.

You can find Autodesk's home page and ftp site at:
  http://www.autodesk.com/
  ftp://ftp.autodesk.com/

Other 3D Studio Web pages include:

  http://homepage.eznet.net/~frac/3ds.html
    FRiC's 3D Studio Web Page

  http://www.armory.com/~gandalf/3dsfaq.html
    3DS Interactive FAQ

  http://www.det.mun.ca/staff/gporter/3dsfaq.htm
    3D Studio FAQ

And other 3D Studio information can be found on the
  comp.graphics.packages.3dstudio Usenet newsgroup.

------------------------------

Subject: ABF - Adobe Binary Screen Font

         Type: bitmap font
    Extension: abf
      Version: 2.0
  Compression: None
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Adobe Systems
Specification: http://www.adobe.com/supportservice/devrelations/PDFS/TN/5006.ABF_Spec.pdf

ABF is Adobe Systems' binary screen font format. ABF is, in fact, the binary
version of the Adobe's ASCII-based Glyph Bitmap Distribution Format (BDF).
Each ABF file is a sequence of 8-, 16-, or 32-bit words in either big- or
little-endian order. Each file stores information for one font.

The specification for the ABF format is:

  Adobe Binary Screen Font Files Specification (Version 2.0),
    Adobe Developer Support, 31 March 1992, P/N LPS5006.
   
This document available via FTP as a Tech Note in PostScript format, 
or as hardcopy when obtained directly from Adobe (see the PostScript
section for information on how to contact Adobe Systems, Inc.).

------------------------------

Subject: ADI - AutoCAD Device-Independent Binary Plotter Format

         Type: Vector
    Extension: adi
      Version: 
  Compression: None
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Autodesk
Specification: 

ADI is a plotter file format generated by AutoCAD. They are rendered as
monochome bitmaps when viewed on a display. Information on ADI may be found
in the AutoCAD Installation and Performance Guide.

------------------------------

Subject: AFM - Adobe Font Metrics File Format

         Type: font metric
    Extension: afm
      Version: 4.0
  Compression: None
  Color Depth: N/A
   Maintainer: Adobe Systems
Specification: ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/DeveloperSupport/TechNotes/PSfiles/5004.AFM_Spec.ps

AFM is Adobe's ASCII-based file format used for storing font metric data as
human-readable data. AFM is the standard Adobe font file format.

This format is also known as the Adobe Multiple Font Metrics (AMFM) and
Adobe Composite Font Metrics (ACFM) file formats. In fact, AFM, AMFM, and
ACFM are actually three variations of the same format. AFM files contain
base or composite font information. One AFM file is used per master design
of a font.  AMFM files store control and global font information for a
group of AFM files. And ACFM files contain the global metrics of the
composite font program.

The specification for the AFM format is:

  Adobe Font Metrics File Format Specification (Version 4.0),
    Adobe Developer Support, 14 February 1992, P/N LPS5004.
   
This document available via FTP as a Tech Note in PostScript format, or as
hardcopy when obtained directly from Adobe (see the PostScript section for
information on how to contact Adobe Systems, Inc.).

------------------------------

Subject: AI - Adobe Illustrator File Format

         Type: Metafile
    Extension: ai
      Version: 3.0
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Adobe Systems
Specification: http://www.adobe.com/supportservice/devrelations/PDFS/TN/5007.AI_Spec_v3.0_Draft.pdf

Native file format of Adobe Illustrator. AI is actually a varitaion of the
Adobe Encapsulated PostScirpt (EPS) format.

------------------------------

Subject: ART - Another Ray Tracer

         Type: 3D
    Extension: art
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Tom Wilson &lttwilson@sunny5.dab.ge.com&gt
Specification:

Native file format of the RAT (Another Ray Tracer) ray tracing package
included with the VORT ray tracing package.


------------------------------

Subject: Atari ST Graphics File Formats

         Type: Bitmap and animation
    Extension: .ANI, .ANM, .CE?, .FLM, .NEO, .PAC, .PC?,
               .PI?, .RGB, .SEQ, .TNY, .TN?, .UC?
      Version: Variuos
  Compression: None, RLE
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

The primary graphics file format of the Atari ST system is the
Electronic Arts Interchange File Format (IFF).  However, a collection
of poorly documented image file formats native to the Atari ST
computer do exist as well. These formats are used primarily for
storing still-images, animations, and screen dumps. 

The Computer Eyes Raw Data Format (.CE1, .CE2), Imagic File/Picture
Format (.IC1, .IC2, .IC3), NEOchrome Format (.NEO), RGB Intermediate
Format (.RGB), STAD Format (.PAC), Tiny Format (.TNY, .TN1, .TN2,
.TN3) are bitmap file formats. The Animatic File Format (.ANM), Cyber
Paint Sequence Format (.SEQ), DEGAS Format (.PI1, PI2, .PI3, .PC1,
.PC2, .PC3), and NEOchrome Animation Format (.ANI) are animation file
formats.

There seems to be no official documentation for most of these
formats. The document, "Atari ST Picture Formats", by David M.
Baggett <dmb@ai.mit.edu> does seem to be the definitive reference.
You can find it at:

  ftp://atari.archive.umich.edu/.../picfmts.doc

You may also find information on Atari ST formats on the
comp.sys.atari.st Usenet newsgroup, and on the following Web sites:

  Dan's Atari ST Web Pages
  http://newton.ex.ac.uk/general/ug/jones/

  Atari ST FAQ
  http://www.smartpages.com/faqs/csas-faq/top.html

------------------------------

Subject: AVS - Application Visualization System

         Type: 3D
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

AVS is a package that allows non-programmers to build visualization
applications for scientific and engineering problem solving.
Have a look at the Introduction to AVS page at http://www.bion.kth.se/~pgr/AVS/howToStart.html

The AVS home page and FTP site may be found at:

  http://iac.ncsc.org/
  ftp://avs.ncsc.org/

------------------------------

Subject: AWD - Microsoft Fax At Work Document
         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: AWD
      Version: 
  Compression: 
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Microsoft Corporation
Specification:

AWD is an OLE compound object file that stores bilevel facsimile data.
The compression algorithm used by AWD is not published, but it is based
on CCITT Group 4. The format of OLE compound object files also seems not
to be published, but there much OLE information available:

  http://www.microsoft.com/oledev/oleocx/ole11.htm
    OLE Control and Control Container Guidelines, Version 1.1

------------------------------

Subject: BDF - Adobe Glyph Bitmap Distribution Format

         Type: Bitmap font
    Extension: bdf
      Version: 2.2
  Compression: None
  Color Depth: 1-bit
   Maintainer: Adobe Systems
Specification: ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/DeveloperSupport/TechNotes/PSfiles/5005.BDF_Spec.ps

BDF is an ASCII-based file format used to store Adobe screen fonts as
human-readable data. The BDF sister format, ABF, stores the same font data
using a binary format.

This format was previously known as the Character Bitmap Distribution
Format, but was renamed to the Glyph Bitmap Distribution Format to bring
the format's name into agreement with current industry terminology.

The specification for the BDF format is:

  Glyph Bitmap Distribution Format (BDF) Specification (Version 2.2),
    Adobe Developer Support, 22 March 1993, P/N LPS5005.
   
This document available via FTP as a Tech Note in PostScript format, or as
hardcopy when obtained directly from Adobe (see the PostScript section for
information on how to contact Adobe Systems, Inc.).

------------------------------

Subject: BIN - SGI Powerflip

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: BMP - Windows Bitmap Format

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: BMP
      Version: 
  Compression: RLE
  Color Depth: 1- to 24-bit
   Maintainer: Microsoft Corporation
Specification:

BMP is the native bitmap file format of the Microsoft Windows environment.
It efficiently stores mapped or unmapped RGB graphics data with pixels 1-,
4-, 8-, or 24-bits in size. Data may be stored raw or compressed using a
4-bit or 8-bit RLE data compression algorithm. BMP is an excellent choice
for a simple bitmap format which supports a wide range of RGB image data.

There is not single document that is the official &quotBMP Format Specification&quot.
Instead, BMP information is spread over several programming references. You 
can search the Microsoft Developers Network CD-ROMs and the Microsoft Knowledge
Base (available at ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/ and http://www.microsoft.com/), but your
best source of BMP information lies outside of Microsoft and within the following
references:

  Inside Windows File Formats, Tom Swan, Sams Publishing 1993.
    ISBN 0-672-30338-8 $24.95 softcover, 337 pages and 1 disk (3.5 in.).               
    Order: Sams Publishing, 2201 West 103rd Street, Indianapolis,
    IN 46290

  Luse, Marv. "The BMP File Format," Dr. Dobb's Journal, #219 September
    1994 (Vol 9, Issue 10), pp. 18-22.

  The BMP File Format: Part I, Dr. Dobb's Journal, David Charlap, #228
    March 1995 (Vol. 20, Issue 3).

  The BMP File Format: Part II, Dr. Dobb's Journal, David Charlap, #229
    April 1995 (Vol. 20, Issue 4).

The code for the above issues are available at:

  ftp://ftp.mv.com/pub/ddj/1994/1994.09/bmp.zip
  ftp://ftp.mv.com/pub/ddj/1995/1995.03/bmp.zip

Also have a look at:

  http://www.r2m.com/windev/
    Internet Resources for Windows Developers

And look in the OS/2 Developer Connection SDK for OS/2 BMP information.

------------------------------

Subject: BRender

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: BRL-CAD - Ballistic Research Laboratory CAD

         Type: Bitmap, 3D, and general data
    Extension: .pix, .bw
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

The BRL-CAD Package is a powerful Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) based
solid modeling system. BRL-CAD consists of over 100 different programs,
including an interactive geometry editor, a ray tracing library, two 
ray-tracing based lighting models, a generic framebuffer library, a
network-distributed image-processing and signal-processing capability,
and a large collection of related tools and utilities. Release 4.0 is the
latest version of software which has been undergoing continuous development
since 1979. 

The BRL-CAD documentation is distributed in five volumes:

  Volue I    The BRL-CAD Philosophy
  Volue II   The BRL-CAD User's Manual
  Volue III  The BRL-CAD Applications Manual
  Volue IV   The MGED User's Manual
  Volue V    The BRL-CAD Analyst's Manual

To obtain a copy of this documentation, contact:

  BRL-CAD Distribution
  Attn: SCLBR-LV-V
  Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5066
  Email: keith@brl.mil

For general information about BRL-CAD, contact:

  BRL-CAD Architect
  Attn: Mike Muuss
  U.S. Army Research Laboratory
  Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5068
  Email: mike@brl.mil

Additional BRL-CAD information may be found at:

  BRL-CAD Home Page
  http://web.arl.mil/software/brlcad/index.html

  BRL-CAD Technical Reports
  http://web.arl.mil/reports/

------------------------------

Subject: BUFR - Binary Universal Form for the Representation of Meteorological Data

         Type: General data
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: World Meteorological Organization
Specification:

BUFR is a data format used to store quantiative meteorological data.
BUFR is described in the documents:

  Guide to the WMO Code Form FM 94-IX EXT. BUFR, W. Thorpe, Fleet Numerical
    Oceanography Center, Monterey, California.

  Standard Formats for Weather Data Exchange Among Automated Weather
    Information Systems, Document Number FCM-S2-1990.

Documents and information on BUFR are available from:

  U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
    Administration (NOAA)
  Attn: Ms. Lena Loman
  Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and
   Supporting Research (OFCM)
  6010 Executive Blvd, Suite 900
  Rockville, MD 20852
  Voice: 301.443.8704

  U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
    Administration (NOAA)
  Attn: Dr. John D. Stackpole
  Chief, Production Management Branch, Automation Division
  National Meteorological Center
  WINMC42, Room 307, WWB
  5200 Auth Road
  Camp Springs, MD 20746
  Voice: 301.763.8115
  Fax:   301.763.8381
  Email: jstack@sun1.wwb.noaa.gov

  BUFR, the WMO standard for point data
  http://dao.gsfc.nasa.gov/data_stuff/formatPages/BUFR.html

------------------------------

Subject: BYU - BYU Movie

         Type: 3D
    Extension: byu
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.cica.indiana.edu/graphics/object_specs/BYU.format.txt

------------------------------

Subject: CAD-3D

         Type: 3D
    Extension: 3d, 3d2, 3d4
      Version: 2.0
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/h_3d2.html
               http://www.cica.indiana.edu/graphics/object_specs/3D2.format.txt

CAD-3D 2.0 stores 3D objects using the 3D, 3D2, or 3D4 file formats. Each format
can store up to 40 objects and contains all information about the objects, 
including the lighting and color palette.

CAD-3D files are similar to the older file format, but they no longer require
the Motorola Fast Floating Point library (LIBF) for the storage of vertex
coordinates. Thia new version stores each coordinate in a two-byte word instead
of a four-byte floating-point value, saving a considerable amount of storage,
and making the file more easily usable by programs written with different
floating-point formats.

For more information on CAD-3D, contact Antic Software:

  Antic Software
  Product Development Department
  544 Second Street
  San Franscico, CA 94107
  Voice: +1 415.957.0886 

------------------------------

Subject: CALS - Computer Aided Acquisition and Logistics Support Raster Format

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: .cal
      Version: 
  Compression: CCITT Group 4 (MMR)
  Color Depth: 1-bit
   Maintainer: CALS Management Support Office (DCLSO)
Specification:

CALS files are used for document imaging and therefore only store
black-and-white, 1-bit image data. CALS Type I files only store a single
image per file and the data is always compressed using the CCITT Group 4
encoding algorithm. CALS Type II files may stored multiple images per file,
the image data may be tiled, and tiles stored as raw data or as data
compressed using CCITT Group 4 encoding.

The CALS raster file format is defined primarily in the following
military standards documents:

  MIL-STD-1840A, Automated Interchange of Technical Information
  MIL-R-28002A, Requirements for Raster Graphics Representation 
    in Binary Format 

The CALS raster file format is supported through the CALS office of the
United States Department of Defense:

  CALS Management Support Office (DCLSO)
  Office of the Assistant Director for Telecommunications andInformation Systems
  Headquarters Defense Logistics Agency
  Cameron Station
  Alexandria, VA 22314 USA

  The CALS Home Page
  http://www.acq.osd.mil/cals/

------------------------------

Subject: CAM - Casio Camera

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: .cam
      Version: 
  Compression: 
  Color Depth: 
   Maintainer: Casio
Specification: Not available

CAM is the native bitmap format of the Casio QV series digital camera
software. The CAM format specification is not published, but Photoshop
plug-ins and a TWAIN toolkit for CAM are available, as is a developmant kit
for Visual Basic and Visial C++ applications. Email Scott Nelson at
SNELSON921@aol.com for more information on the toolkits.  Visit the Casio
home page at http://www.casio.com/ for more information on their QV-10 and
QV-30 digital cameras.

You can find a description of the CAM file internals at:

  http://www.st.rim.or.jp/~with/QV10/index_e.html


------------------------------

Subject: CCITT - CCITT Group 3 and Group 4 Encoding

         Type: Data encoding format
    Extension: .g3, .g4, .cit
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth: Bilevel
   Maintainer: http://www.itu.ch/
Specification: 


------------------------------

Subject: CDF - Common Data Format

         Type: General data
    Extension: CDF
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: 

CDF is a scientific data management package (known as the "CDF Library")
developed by the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC). CDF allows
application programmers to manage and manipulate scalar, vector, and
multi-dimensional data arrays. The CDF file format is transparently utilized
and made accessible to the through a consistent set of interface routines
known as the &quotCDF Interface&quot. 

  http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/cdf/cdf_home.html
  The Common Data Format Home Page

  http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/about/about_nssdc.html
  National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC)

  You can download the CDF software distribution from:
  ftp://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/pub/cdf/dist/cdf25/

------------------------------

Subject: CDF - Cyberspace Description Format

         Type: VRML
    Extension: CDF
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Carl Tollander <carlt@autodesk.com>
Specification: http://vrml.wired.com/proposals/cdf/cdf.html

CDF is an ASCII-based format used for describing cyberspace decks and
virtual worlds. This format provides a standard framework that is used to
store, retrieve, modify, and exchange descriptions of cyberspace objects;
including object initialization, state, and scheduling, and cyberspase
simulation.

CDF is based on the CDF format described in Autodesk's Cyberspace
Development Kit. Autodesk's CDF is a closed format used to support a
proprietary deveoper's tool, while the proposed CDF format is an open
format intended to be accepted as an industry standard.

------------------------------

Subject: CDL - CADKey CADL Language

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Cadkey Inc.
Specification: 

Contact Cadkey at:

  Cadkey Inc.
  4 Griffin Road
  Windsor, CT 06095-1511 USA
  Voice: 203.298.8888
  Voice: 800.394.2231
  Fax:   203.298.6590
  Email: info@cadkey.com
  WWW:   http://www.cadkey.com/

------------------------------

Subject: CGM - Computer Graphics Metafile

         Type: Metafile
    Extension: CGM
      Version: 
  Compression: None
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: ANSI, ISO, IEC, DOD, NIST
Specification:

The current version of the CGM ANSI/ISO standard (commonly called 
CGM:1992) is:

  Information Processing Systems--Computer Graphics Metafile for the
  Storage and Transfer of Picture Description Information, 
  ANSI/ISO 8632-1992.

This standard superseded the early CGM:1986 (ANSI X3.122-1986) ANSI
standard. The CGM standard is contained in four ISO standards documents:

  ISO/IEC 8632-1:1992 Part 1: Functional Specification
  ISO/IEC 8632-3:1992 Part 2: Character Encoding
  ISO/IEC 8632-3:1992 Part 3: Binary Encoding
  ISO/IEC 8632-4:1992 Part 4: Clear Text Encoding

These documents may be obtained from the following organizations:

  International Standards Organization (ISO)
  1 rue de Varembe
  Case Postal 56
  CH-1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland
  Voice: +41 22 749 01 11
  Fax:   +41 22 733 34 30

  American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  Sales Department
  11 West 42nd Street
  New York, NY 10036
  Voice: 212.642.4900

  Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
  Sales Group
  178 Rexdale Blvd.
  Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3
  Voice: 416.747.444

And here are a few CGM Web pages:

  MIL-STD-2301, CGM Implementation Standard for the NIST Format Standard
  http://www.tasc.com/nitfs/NITFS_docs.html

  CGM Home Page at NIST
  http://speckle.ncsl.nist.gov/~lsr/cgm.htm

  Overview of CGM Standards
  http://speckle.ncsl.nist.gov/~lst/cgm_std.htm

  The Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM)
  http://www.agocg.ac.uk:8080/agocg/CGM.html

A freely available C library for creating CGM files is available at:

  http://speckle.ncsl.nist.gov/~lorax/cgm/cd.html

------------------------------

Subject: CIF

------------------------------

Subject: CMP - LeadView

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: CMP
      Version: 
  Compression: LEAD CMP compression (proprietary)
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: LEAD Technologies
Specification: Not available

  LEAD Technologies
  Technical Support Department
  Voice: 704.372.9681
    Fax: 704.332.5868
    BBS: 704.334.9045
  Email: support@leadtools.com
    WWW: http://www.leadtools.com/

------------------------------

Subject: CMU - Carnegie Mellon University Formats

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: COB - Calgari trueSpace2 File Format

         Type: 3D
    Extension: COB, SCN
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/files/calgari.pdf

------------------------------

Subject: CXS

------------------------------

Subject: Cyberware

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Cyberware
Specification: 

Contact Cyberware at:

  Cyberware Inc.
  2110 Del Monte Avenue
  Montery, CA 93940 USA
  Voice: 408.657.1450
  Fax:   408.657.1494
  Email: sales@cyberware.com
  WWW:   http://www.cyberware.com/

------------------------------

Subject: DEM - Digital Elevation Model

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Specification:

The format of DEM map files is described in the publication:

  Data Users Guide 5 - Digital Elevation Models

and is available for $1.00 US from:

  Earth Science Information Center (ESIC)
  U. S. Geological Survey
  507 National Center
  Reston, VA  22092 USA
  Voice: 1.800.USA.MAPS
  Voice: 703.860.645

  The Andrew Consortium
  http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/project/atk-ftp/web/andrew-home.html

  http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/glis/hyper/guide/1_dgr_dem

------------------------------

Subject: DGN - Microstation

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: DKB - DKB-Trace

         Type: 3D
    Extension: dkb
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: DLG - Digital Line Graph

         Type: Vector
    Extension: dlg
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Specification:

DLG is used by USGS to store geographical data. Documentation on this
format is available at:

  ftp://spectrum.xerox.com/depts/markc/demtools/demwork/dlg/doc/dlgguide.txt.Z>.

The format of DLG graph files is described in the publications:

  Data Users Guide 1 - Digital Line Graphs from 1:24,000-Scale Maps
  Data Users Guide 2 - Digital Line Graphs from 1:100,000-Scale Maps
  Data Users Guide 3 - Digital Line Graphs from 1:2,000,000-Scale Maps

and each is available for $2.00 US from:

  Earth Science Information Center (ESIC)
  U. S. Geological Survey
  507 National Center
  Reston, VA  22092 USA
  Voice: 1.800.USA.MAPS
  Voice: 703.860.645

------------------------------

Subject: DPX - Digital Moving Picture Exchange

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: dpx, cin
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: SMPTE <http://www.smpte.org/>
Specification:

DPX is the SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers)
standard file format for Digital Moving Picture Exchange. DPX is, in fact,
the Kodak Cineon raster file format with just a few slight modifications to
the file's header.

The DPX specification is referred to as the ANSI/SMPTE 268M-1994 Standard
(dated: 18 February 1994) and is available directly from SMPTE:

  The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
  595 W. Hartsdale Avenue
  White Plains, NY 10607 USA
  Voice: 914.761.1100
  Fax:   914.761.3115
  Web:   http://www.smpte.org/

You can find a complete listng of all SMPTE standards at
http://www.smpte.org/stds/stscope.html

------------------------------

Subject: DRW - Micrografx Designer/Draw Plus Format

         Type: Vector
    Extension: DRW
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Micrografx
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: DWB - Coryphaeus Software Designers Workbench

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:


Contact Coryphaeus at:

  Coryphaeus
  985 University Avenue
  Suite 31
  Los Gatos, CA 95030 USA
  Voice: 408.395.4537
  Fax:   408.395.6351
  Email: sales@coryphaeus.com
  WWW:   http://www.coryphaeus.com/

------------------------------

Subject: DWG - Autodesk drawing

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Autodesk
Specification:

  http://www.kovac.com/software/index.html

------------------------------

Subject: DXF - Autodesk Drawing eXchange Format

         Type: Vector and 3D
    Extension: DXF
      Version: 
  Compression: None
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Autodesk
Specification:

The AutoCAD DXF (Drawing eXchange Format) and AutoCAD DXB (Drawing eXhange
Binary) formats are the native vector file formats of Autodesk's AutoCAD
CAD application.

DXF is probably one of the most widely supported vector formats in the
world today. DXF is rich in features, including: support for 3D objects,
curves, text, associative dimensioning, and is an easy format to parse.
The DXB format is a binary representation of a DXF file and they are
usually smaller and faster to load than the equivalent DXF file.

The latest "official" DXF revision is Release 12. However, there is an
even newer version of DXF containing several changes and additions to the
format.  Apparently the specification of the latest version of the DXF
format is not yet (if it will ever be) freely available. Users are
required to pay $4000US for a license to AutoCAD in to obtain the specs
for this newest release of DXF file format.

The official specification for DXF R12 may be found in the AutoCAD Manual
Release 12:

  AutoCAD Customization Manual, Release 12, Autodesk Inc., 1992, pp. 241-81.

The specification for DXF R12 has also been released in electonic form and
is available in several of the Internet file format archives, such as:

  ftp://avalon.vislab.navy.mil/pub/format_specs/dxf_r12.txt.Z
  http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/h_dxf12.html

The spec for the most current version, DXF R13, is available at:

  ftp://ftp.synapse.net/private/c/cadsyst/misc/r13dxf.zip

And an excerpt of the DXF R10 specification may be found at:

  http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/h_dxf10.html

Many books detail the DXF format, including:

  The AutoCAD Database Book, F.H. Jones and L. Martin, Ventana Press,
    ISBN 0-940087-04-9. Order: 919.490.0062 voice.

  AutoCAD, The Complete Reference, 2nd Ed., Johnson, N., McGraw-Hill,
    New York, NY, 1991.

Additonal information may be obtained directly from Autodesk:

  Autodesk Inc.
  Autodesk Developer Marketing
  2320 Marinship Way
  Sausalito, CA 94965
  Voice: 415.491.8719
  FTP:   ftp://ftp.autodesk.com/
  WWW:   http://www.autodesk.com/

------------------------------

Subject: EMF - Microsoft Enhanced Metafile

         Type: Metafile
    Extension: EMF
      Version: 
  Compression: None
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Microsoft Corporation
Specification:

The next generation Windows Metafile. EMF files are not supported by
the 16-bit Windows and OLE environments.

http://www.microsoft.com/Softlib/MSLFILES/ENMETA.EXE
  This archive contains sample Windows code to manipulate EMF files.
  Two sample EMF files are included.

http://www.microsoft.com/developr/MSDN/OctCD/EMFDCO.ZIP
  This archive contains the Windows source code for the EMF 
  decoding utility.

http://www.microsoft.com/developr/MSDN/OctCD/ENHMET.ZIP
  This archive contains the ENHMETA.HLP help file that describes
  the EMF file format.

Also have a look at:

  http://www.microsoft.com/kb/developr/win32dk/q145999.htm
    Q145999 "SAMPLE: How to Create & Play Enhanced Metafiles in Win32"

  http://www.gentech.com/emf/win95emf.html
    Enhanced Metafile Test Suite

  http://www.r2m.com/windev/
    Internet Resources for Windows Developers

------------------------------

Subject: ENFF - Extended Neutral File Format

         Type: 
    Extension: 
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: EPS - Encapsulated PostScript

         Type: Metafile
    Extension: EPS
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.adobe.com/supportservice/devrelations/PDFS/TN/5002.EPSF_Spec_v2.0.pdf

The PostScript Language Software Development Kit is available from the
creator of PostScript, Adobe Systems:

  Adobe Systems Inc.
  Attn: Adobe Systems Developer Support
  1585 Charleston Road
  P.O. Box 7900
  Mountain View, CA 94039-7900
  Voice: 415.961.7900
  Voice: 800.344.8335
  Fax:   415.961.3769

------------------------------

Subject: FACT

         Type: 
    Extension: 
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: FBM - Fuzzy Bitmap

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

FBM is the native file format of the Fuzzy pixmap image manipulation and
conversion toolkit written by Michael L. Mauldin at Carnegie Mellon
University.

Code to manipulate FBM (and many other) file formats is found in the
FBM distrbution:

  ftp://nl.cs.cmu.edu/usr/mlm/ftp/fbm.tar.Z

------------------------------

Subject: FFIVW - File Format for the Interchange of Virtual Worlds

          Type: VRML
     Extension: ffivw
       Version: 
  Compression:
   Color Depth:
    Maintainer: Bernie Roehl <broehl@waterloo.ca>
                Kerry Bonin <74367.1630@compuserve.com>
 Specification: http://vrml.wired.com/proposals/ffivw.html

FFIVM is an ASCII-based, object-oriented format used to describe virtual
objects and worlds. This format is not intended to be a native file format
of any hardware or software platform, but instead to be used as an
interchange medium used for converting one VRML format to another.

------------------------------

Subject: FITS - Flexable Image Transport System

         Type: General data format
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

FITS is a standard data interchange and archival format used by
astronomy software. The FITS data format specification is part of the
NOST Standard and Uer's Guide, available from:

  ftp://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/pub/fits/

Other FITS resources include:

  FITS Support Office Home Page
  http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/astro/fits/fits_home.html

  Displaying FITS Images
  http://astrosun.tn.cornell.edu/FITS.html

  http://fits.cv.nrao.edu/
  ftp://fits.cv.nrao.edu/fits>

FITS discussions also occur on the sci.data.formats and
sci.astro.fits Usenet newsgroups. Questions about FITS may also be
directed to fits@nssdca.gsfc.nasa.gov.

------------------------------

Subject: FLASHPIX

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression: JPEG
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Kodak http://www.kodak.com/
Specification: 

FLASHPIX is Kodak's latest "will do everything you will ever need" graphical
file format. It is based on the Microsoft OLE Structured Storage format that
all of Microsoft's newer data files use. The file format will be officially
released by Kodak in late September 1996 in cooperation with Microsoft,
Hewlett-Packard, and Live Picture.

You can get a marketing-oriented whitepaper that contains a very simple
techinical overview of the FLASHPIX format at:

  http://www.kodak.com/aboutKodak/cmo/drg/productsTechnologies/niftyTech.shtml

A two-page write up of FLASHPIX also appears in Photo Electronic Imaging
Magazine (Vol. 29, No. 7, 1996, pp. 18,22).

------------------------------

Subject: FLT - MultiGen Flight

         Type: 
    Extension: flt
      Version: 14.2.4 Rev A
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/files/opnflt.pdf

------------------------------

Subject: GDS - McDonnell-Douglas Things

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: GFO - SGI Radiosity

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: GIF - Graphics Interchange Format

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: GIF
      Version: 87a, 89a
  Compression: LZW
  Color Depth: 8-bit
   Maintainer: Compuserve
Specification: ftp://ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu:/misc/file.formats/graphics.formats/gif87a.doc
               ftp://ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu:/misc/file.formats/graphics.formats/gif89a.doc

GIF is a data stream-oriented file format used to define the transmission
protocol of LZW-encoded bitmap data. GIF images may be up to eight bits
(256 colors) in depth and are always compressed. Despite the fact that GIF
supports only 8-bits worth of colors, and the multimedia extensions
introduced in the 89a release have not been widely utilized, GIF still
remains a popular choice for storing lower resolution image data.

The GIF89a specification is available via many BBSs and on-line information
services. You may also obtain the specification directly from CompuServe:

  CompuServe Incorporated
  Attn: Graphics Technology Department
  5000 Arlington Center Boulevard
  Columbus, OH 43220
  Voice: 614.457.8600, 800.848.8199
  FTP:   ftp://ftp.compuserve.com/
  WWW:   http://www.compuserve.com/

Note: Any software created or modified after 01 January 1995 that supports
the capability of reading and/or writing GIF files must obtain a patent
license agreement from Unisys Corporation. See Part I of the FAQ for more
details on the Unisys GIF-LZW license agreements.

Here are a few links specializing in GIF89a animations:

  http://www.fastlane.net/~samiel/anim.shtml
    GIF Animation Secrets

  http://member.aol.com/royalef/gifanim.htm
    Royal Frazier's GIF Animation on the WWW

  http://www.peritas.com/~abw/multigif.html
    MultiGIF GIF89a Animation Utility

  http://www.iis.ee.ethz.ch/~kiwi/GIFMerge/
    GIFMerge Utility

------------------------------

Subject: GKS - Graphics Kernel System

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

GKS is a standard specifying the input and output primitives for displaying
2D and 3D graphical data. Although GKS has no native file format, the CGM
(Computer Graphics Metafile) format is often closely associated with its use.

The following ISO documents describe the GKS standard:

  ISO 7942    Functional Specification
  ISO 8651-1  Fortran Binding
  ISO 8651-2  Pascal Binding
  ISO 8651-3  Ada Binding
  ISO 8651-4  
  ISO 8805    GKS-3D
  ISO 8806    GKS-3D Bindings

These documents are available from ISO, ANSI, and CSA (see the CGM section
for the addresses of these organizations).

------------------------------

Subject: GrADS - GrADS Metafile

         Type: Metafile
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

  http://grads.iges.org/grads/
    Grid Analysis and Display System

  ftp://sprite.llnl.gov/pub/fiorino/grads/doc/grads.www/grads.htm
    GrADS Documentation

------------------------------

Subject: GRASP - Graphical System for Presentation

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

    Paul Mace Software Home Page
    http://www.pmace.com/pms.htm

------------------------------

Subject: GRIB - Gridded Binary

         Type: General data format
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Specification:

GRIB is the standard format for the storage and interchange of
meteorological data. Several "flavors" of GRIB exist, prompting the
original format to be called WMO GRIB. The format specification and
software may be found at:

  ftp://ncardata.ucar.edu/libraries/grib/
  ftp://nic.fb4.noaa.gov/pub/nws/nmc/docs/gribguide/guide.txt
 
The specification for the ECMWF GRIB format is at:

  ftp://ncardata.ucar.edu/datasets/ds111.2/format
  ftp://ncardata.ucar.edu/datasets/ds111.2/software


  UW-NMS Home Page
  http://java.meteor.wisc.edu/

------------------------------

Subject: HDF - Hierarchical Data Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/files/ncsa_hdf.pdf

HDF is an object-oriented interchange file format used to transport image
data from one machin architecture or operating system to another with no
conversion problems or loss of data. Both 8- and 24-bit raster images are
supported, color palettes, and data compression (RLE, Incomp, and JPEG).

The latest version of HDF is 3.3 and comes with a complete library of
functions for manipulating HDF files, includeding the netCDF library by
Unidata.

Information on HDF is available from The HDF Information Server maintained
by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications:

  http://hdf.ncsa.uiuc.edu:8001/

The HDF FAQ is located at:

  http://hdf.ncsa.uiuc.edu:8001/HDF-FAQ.html

Other HDF-related Web sites include:

    Heirarchial Data Format (HDF)
    http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/SDG/Software/HDF/HDFIntro.html

The HDU 3.3 User's Guide in both PostScript and MIF format:

  ftp://ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu/HDF/Documentation/HDF3.3/Users_Guide/HDF3

Source code for HDF may be FTPed from:

  ftp://ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu/HDF

And HDF-related discussions may also be found on the Usenet newsgroup
sci.data.formats and in the FAQ for that newsgroup.

------------------------------

Subject: HDS - Hierarchical Data System

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: HPGL - Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language (HP-GL/2)

------------------------------

Subject: HPPCL - Hewlett-Packard Printer Control Language

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

PCL is capable of rendering both raster and vector graphics.

The official specification and toolkit for PCL is contained in the following
Hewlett-Packard manuals:

  PCL 5 Printer Language Technical Reference Manual
  PCL 5 Developer's Guide, 3rd Edition, Part No. 5002-1847

The technical reference manual contains a complete description of PCL 5. The
developer's guide contains many software examples illustracting how to
design PCL-compatable software. These maunals may be obtained directly from
Hewlett-Packard

------------------------------

Subject: HRF - Hitachi Raster Format

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: HRF
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth: 1-bit
   Maintainer: Hitachi Corporation
Specification: Chris Till (Voice: 303.449.3200, Fax: 303.449.1996)

HRF is typcailly used to store scanner output data.

The HRF specification is not available unless a non-disclosure agreement
is signed with Hitachi.

------------------------------

Subject: IFF - Electronic Arts Interchange File Format

         Type: Bitmap, audio, multimedia
    Extension: IFF, LBM, and many more
      Version: 
  Compression: Uncompressed, PackBits
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

    Electronic Arts Home Page
    http://www.ea.com/

------------------------------

Subject: IGES - Initial Graphics Exchange Specification

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

IGES is a set of protocols for the transfer and display of graphical
information on remote devices via a telephone or computer communications
network. IGES does not define any new graphical file formats, but instead
uses existing formats (such as CGM) to encapsulate graphical data.

IGES is associated with the NCGA (National Computer Graphics Association) and
is part of the U.S. Product Data Association (USPRO) and the IGES/PDES
Organization (IGO). The NCGA administers the National IGES User Group (NIUG),
which provides access to information on IGES.

To obtain the IGES specification, you must be a member of both NIUG and a
Regional Interest Group (RIG). The IGES specification is available through
the NCGA for $100US. For more information about the NIUG, RIGs, and IGES,
contact:

  National Computer Graphics Association
  2722 Merrilee Drive
  Suite 3200
  Fairfax, VA 22031 USA
  Voice: 703.698.9600

    IGES - Reference Documents
    http://elib.cme.nist.gov/nipde/stds/wh-iges.html

------------------------------

Subject: IM - Performer

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: IMA - Zenographics Mirage Graphics File Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Zenographics
Specification:

IMA is the native file format of the Zenographics Mirage program.
The older version of this format was used by Mirage v5.12 and
eariler. Mirage 5.20 introduced the newer version of IMA.

------------------------------

Subject: IMJ - Image JPEG

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

IMJ was created by Pegasus Image Corporation as a variation of the JFIF file
format. IMJ is essentially a JFIF file with a Microsoft Windows BMP header
and enhanced palette optimization. The IMJ format is used in several
screensaver applications, and by orgainizations such as Delrina and the
National Center for Missing Children.

See the section describing the PIC - Pegasus Imaging Corporation Format
for more information.

------------------------------

Subject: INGR - Intergraph Raster File Format

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: Many (not standardized)
      Version: 3
  Compression: RLE, CCITT Group 4, JPEG, quad tree, Uncompressed
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Intergraph Corporation <http://www.intergraph.com/>
Specification: ftp://ftp.intergraph.com/pub/bbs/scan/note/rffrgps.zip

Intergraph publishes the INGR format specification in the following document:

  "Intergraph Raster File Format Reference Guide", Intergraph Corporation,
  DRA220700, March 1994, Version 3.2.0, 84 pages.

You may order this specifiction from:

  Scanning Systems Division
  Intergraph Corporation
  Huntsville, AL 35894-0001 USA
  Voice: 205-730-5441, 800-345-4856
  Fax:   205-730-9441
  BBS:   205-730-8786
  Email: info@intergraph.com
  WWW:   http://www.intergraph.com/
  FTP:   ftp://ftp.intergraph.com/

It is also available in PostScript format on Intergraph's FTP site.
Sampleimages are availble at:

  ftp://ftp.intergraph.com/pub/bbs/scan/note/bilevel.exe

------------------------------

Subject: IRTP - Graphicon-2000 Interactive Real-Time PHIGS

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: IV - SGI Inventor

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: IV-VRML - Inventor VRML Format

         Type: VRML
    Extension: iv
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Silicon Graphics
Specification: http://www.sgi.com/tech/Inventor/VRML/VRMLDesign.html

------------------------------

Subject: JBIG - Joint Bilevel Image Group

         Type: Compression Method
    Extension: Not specified by specification
      Version: 
  Compression: JBIG
  Color Depth: 1-bit (see text)
   Maintainer: ISO, IEC and ITU
Specification:

JBIG is a lossless method for compressing black and white (1-bit) raster
image data. Its primary benefit is as a method for transmitting bi-level
image data across a communications channel. JBIG's progressive encoding
scheme allows lower resolution version of the image to be sent first,
followed by higher resolution images which build on the previously
transmitted data (e.g. 75, 150, 300, 450, and 600 DPI). This capability makes
JBIG ideal for replacing less-efficient document imaging transmissions
methods, such as CCITT Group 3 & 4, but thus far JBIG has not been marketed
in such a way as to make this possible.

There is no official JBIG file format. You just dump a JBIG data stream into
a disk for tape file, give it the extension JBG or JBIG, and you have a JBIG
file.

JBIG is jointly sponsored by the ITU (CCITT) and ISO/IEC JTCI/SC29
committees. The JBIG standard may be found in the following documents:

  Information technology -- Coded representation of picture and audio
    information -- Progressive bi-level image compression, ISO/IEC 11544:1993 

  ITU/CCITT Recommendation T.82

------------------------------

Subject: JCAMP

------------------------------

Subject: JFIF - JPEG File Interchange Format

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: JPG
      Version: 1.02
  Compression: JPEG
  Color Depth: 24-bits
   Maintainer: C-Cube
Specification: See below

JFIF is a data stream-oriented file format used to define the transmission of
JPEG-encoded bitmap data. The specification for JFIF may be obtained directly
from C-Cube Microsystems:

  C-Cube Microsystems
  Attn: Scott Sinclair
  Corporate Communications
  1778 McCarthy Blvd.
  Milpitas, CA 95035
  Voice: 408.944.6300
  Fax:   408.944.6314

The Independent JPEG Group archive on ftp.uu.net also contains an on-line
copy of the JFIF specification and additional JPEG information as:

  ftp://ftp.uu.net/graphics/jpeg/jfif.ps.gz
  ftp://ftp.uu.net/graphics/jpeg/jpeg.documents.gz

If you need code to read/write JFIF files and/or a JPEG data stream, then
please use the IJG's JPEG library, available at:

  ftp://ftp.uu.net/graphics/jpeg/

Any other questions you have about JPEG will be answered by Tom Lane's
JPEG FAQ, which may be found at:

  comp.graphics.misc
  http://www.smartpages.com/faqs/jpeg-faq/top.html
  ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/jpeg-faq/

------------------------------

Subject: LSA/LSB - Lightscape Technologies ASCII and Binary

         Type: 
    Extension: 
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: 

------------------------------

Subject: LWOB - Lightwave Object Format

         Type: 3D
    Extension: IFF
      Version: 2.0
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.pb.net/usrwww/w_limg/LWOB.HTM
               http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/h_lightwave.html

LightWave is part of a suite of application that is bundled with the
Amiga Video Toster system. LightWave 3D objects are stored as IFF files 
with a FORM type of LWOB. Other chunks stored in a FORM LWOB file are
PNTS, SRFS, SURF, CRVS, and POLS chunk.

Also have a look at the LightWave newsgroup:
        
  comp.graphics.apps.lightwave

------------------------------

Subject: MedFileS

------------------------------

Subject: MGF - Materials and Geometry Format

         Type: 3D
    Extension: mgf
      Version: 1.1
  Compression: None
  Color Depth: full spectral colors (i.e., infinite)
   Maintainer: Greg Ward <GJWard@lbl.gov>
Specification: http://radsite.lbl.gov/mgf/HOME.html

MGF is an ASCII-based 3D rendering format designed to model surface geometry
and materials for the purpose of visible-light simulation and rendering.  The
overall objective of this format is to provide a very simple yet fairly
complete modeling language that does not place unreasonable demands on the
applications programmer or the object library creator.

The materials are physically-based and rely on standard and well-accepted
definitions of color, reflectance and transmittance for good accuracy and
reproducibility. The geometry is based on boundary representation using
simple geometric primitives such as polygons, spheres and cones. The file
format itself is terse but human-readable ASCII text.  Translators are
available from 3D Studio and Radiance rendering formats, and to Inventor,
VRML and Radiance.  An ANSI-C standard parser is freely distributed, along
with many models and examples at the official web site.

The format specification is available bundled with an MGF file reader
and is distributed in the file mgflib0.7.tar.Z on the following sites:

  http://radsite.lbl.gov/mgf/HOME.html
  ftp://hobbes.lbl.gov/www/mgf

The MGF software is currently in its second official release (version 1.1).
Questions about MGF should be directed to:

Greg Ward
Voice: 510.486.4757
Fax:   510.486.4757
Email: GJWard@lbl.gov

------------------------------

Subject: MIFF - Magick Image File Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

MIFF is a bitmap format native to the ImageMagick toolkit which runs under
the X Window System. ImageMagick is capable of displaying and converting a
variety of still and animated graphics file formats.

The specification for MIFF is available in the ImageMagick distribution
available from:

  ftp://ftp.wizards.dupont.com/pub/ImageMagick/ImageMagick-3.7.tar.gz

For more information about ImageMagick and MIFF, contact:

  duPont de Nemour & Company
  Attn: John Cristy
  Central Research and Development
  Experimental Station
  P.O. Box 80328
  Room 162-A
  Wilmington, DE 19880-0328
  Voice: 302.695.1159
  Email: cristy@dupont.com

------------------------------

Subject: MNG - Multiple Network Graphics

         Type: Bitmap, animation
    Extension: MNG
      Version: 
  Compression: GZIP + optional filtering, delta images
  Color Depth: 1 to 48 bits
   Maintainer: MNG discussion list, mpng-list@dworkin.wustl.edu
Specification: ftp://swrinde.nde.swri.edu/pub/mng/documents/

MNG (pronounced "ming") is a proposed multiple-image
extension of the PNG (Portable Network Graphics) format.
To join the discussion list working on this format,
send the message body "help" to mpng-list-request@dworkin.wustl.edu.

------------------------------

Subject: MSDL - Manchester Scene Description Language

         Type: 3D
    Extension: msdl
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://hobbes.lbl.gov/www/mgf/HOME.html

------------------------------

Subject: MTL - Wavefront

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: NAPLPS - North American Presentation Layer Protocol Syntax

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

NAPLPS is a protocol for transferring ASCII-based graphical information to
remote terminals via a communications channel (telephone systems, computer
networks, and so forth). It is specifically designed to provide usable
information transfer rates, even at data rates as low as 2400bps.

NAPLPS is used by many Videotext services, Prodigy, the commercial on-line
information service, and in standalone information kiosk systems. 

Although there is no NAPLPS file format, NAPLPS data streams are often saved
as files, and the files are then referred to as using the "NAPLPS file
format".

The NAPLPS specification is a standards documents available through ANSI, ISO,
or CSA. (See the CGM section for the addresses of these organizations). The
CSA document (T500-1983) also contains a supplement (1-1991) which is not
included in the ANSI version of this standard.  

Further information may be found in the February, March, April, and May 1983
issues of Byte Magazine. These articles explain much of the NAPLPS coding
system and discuss the potential for NAPLPS.

Michael Dillon has authored a paper on NAPLPS and started a NAPLPS section on
SIMTEL20, which may be access via the mirror site:

  ftp://oak.oakland.edu/pub/simtel/msdos/naplps  

Michael Dillon may be contacted at:

  CompuServe: 71532,137
  Internet:   mpdillon@halcyon.halcyon.com
  BBS:        604.546.2705
  
The BBS also contains NAPLPS Shareware and art.

------------------------------

Subject: netCDF - Network Common Data Format

         Type: 
    Extension: 
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 

  http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/packages/netcdf/
  netCDF Home Page

  http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/packages/netcdf/utilities.html
  Software for Manipulating or Displaying NetCDF Data

  ftp://ftp.unidata.ucar.edu/pub/netcdf/
  netCDF Software Distribution

------------------------------

Subject: NFF - Haines Neutral File Format

         Type: 
    Extension: NFF
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Eric Haines &lterich@eye.com&gt
Specification: http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/h_nff.html

NFF is a minimal scene description language used to test rendering algorithms
and efficiency schemes. It supports basic geometry of objects, surface
characteristics, placement of lights, color of objects, and the viewing angle
of the human eye. NFF is ASCII-based and is used with the Standard Procedural
Database (SPD) software package used for creating databases for testing
rendering schemes.

The specification for NFF is available on numerous FTP sites which archive
file format documents, such as:

  ftp://zamenhof.cs.rice.edu/pub/graphics.formats

and is available along with the SPD test programs, which produce NFF objects:

  ftp://ftp.princeton.edu/pub/Graphics/SPD

You may also contact the author of NFF:

  Eric Haines
  3D/Eye Inc.
  1050 Craft Road
  Ithica, NY 14850
  Email: erich@eye.com

------------------------------

Subject: NFF - WorldToolKit Neutral File Format

         Type: 3D
    Extension: nff bff
      Version: 2.1
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Sense8 Incorporated
Specification: ftp://avalon.vislab.navy.mil/pub/format_specs
               http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/h_nffwtk.html

The WorldToolKit Neutral File Format is a creation of Sense8 for their
WorldToolKit software product. WorldToolKit is a C language library providing
the functionality needed to do virtual reality, including file parsing,
sensor drivers, object management, behavior, and rendering.

Sense8's NFF format was loosely adapted from the Videoscape (.geo) format,
with the addition of 12-bit color, per-polygon texture application, and
portals. It was later extended to support vertex normals, 24-bit color, and
vertex uv coordinates. The current version of NFF is 2.1.

Sense8 also supports a binary format of NFF called BFF (.bff file extension)
The BFF format layout and order is identical to the ASCII version, with the
exception that only 24-bit, and not 12-bit, colors are not supported.

The WorldToolKit Neutral File Format was created and is maintained by:

  Sense8
  100 Shoreline Hwy. Ste. 282
  Mill Valley, CA 94941
  Voice: 415.331.6318
  Fax:   415.331.9148
  Email: info@sense8.com
  WWW:   http://www.sense8.com/

Questions about Sense8's NFF format should be directed to:

  Ben Discoe <ben@sense8.com>

------------------------------

Subject: NITF - National Imagery Transmission Format

         Type: Page Layout
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Defense Information Systems Agency
Specification:

The National Imagery Transmission Format Standard (Version 2.0) is documented
as a collection of military standards documents. The actual file format is
documented in the following standard:

  MIL-STD-2500, National Imagery Transmission Format (Version 2.0) for
    the National Imagery Transmission Format Standard, 18 June 1993

The remaining standards are as follows:

  MIL-HDBK-1300, National Imagery Transmission Format Standard (NITFS),
    18 June 1993
  MIL-STD-3201, Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) Implementation Standard
    for the National Imagery Transmission Format Standard, 18 June 1993
  MIL-STD-188-196, Bi-Level Image Compression for the National Imagery 
    Transmission Format Standard, 18 June 1993
  MIL-STD-188-197 Adaptive Recursive Interpolated Differential Pulse
    Code Modulation (ARIDPCM) Compression Algorithm for the National
    Imagery Transmission Format Standard, 18 June 1993
  MIL-STD-188-198A, Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) Image Compression
    for the National Imagery Transmission Format Standard, 15 December 1993
  MIL-STD-188-199, Vector Quantization Decompression for the National Imagery
    Transmission Format Standard, 27 June 1994
  MIL-STD-245-44500, Tactical Communications Protocol 2 (TACO2) for the
    National Imagery Transmission Format Standard, 18 June 1993
  JIEO Circular 9008, National Imagery Transmission Format Standards (NITFS)
    Certification Test & Evaluation Program Plan, 30 June 1993

The NITFS standards may be obtained via FTP from the ITSI (Information
Technology Standards Integrated) BBS at:

  ftp://jcdbs.2000.disa.mil/pub/library

ITSI BSS may also be reached by modem at 703.834.6501 (14.4kbps, N-8-1).

To receive hardcopies any or all of these documents, send a request via mail,
fax, or email to:

  DISA/JIEO/CFS/TBCE
  c/o Logicaon
  Fay Mignone
  1831 Wiehle Avenue
  Reston, VA 22090 USA
  Fax:   703.318.1098  Attn: Fay Mignone
  Email: mignone@cdbs.itsi.disa.mil

or:

  Defense Information Systems Agency
  Center for Standards
  Carol Ciepiela
  Attn: TBCE, Rm 3304
  10701 Parkridge Blvd
  Reston, VA 22091 USA
  Voice: 703.487.3536
  Email: edi@itsi.disa.mil

Questions may be directed to:

  NITFS Certification Test Facility
  Voice: 602.538.5458 x5494

And NITF Web pagea include:

  http://www.tasc.com/NITFS/
    NITFS Home Page

  http://www.itsi.disa.mil/ismc/ntb/ntb.html
    The NITFS Technical Board

  http://topaz.sensor.com/work/fmt/nitf/

------------------------------

Subject: OBJ - Wavefront Object

         Type: 
    Extension: obj
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/files/off.pdf

------------------------------

Subject: ODIF - Open Document Interchange Format

         Type: Binary
    Extension: .odf
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Open Document Architecture Consortium (ODAC)
Specification: http://www.itu.ch/itudoc/itu-t/rec/t.html

The Open Document Interchange Format (ODIF) is the data stream interchange
format associated with the Open Document Architecture (ODA).  ODA is an
object-oriented document architecture for the description of both the logical
layot stuctures of a docuemnt. ODA also supports the transfer of documents in
processable form. The ODA and ODIF standard is described in ITU docuemnts
T.411 through T.421.

More information on ODIF files and ODA is available from:

  ODAC
  Avenue Marcel Thiry 204
  1200 Brussels
  Belgium
  Voice: +32 2 774 9623
  Fax:   +32 2 774 9690
  WWW:   http://titan.orem.novell.com/

------------------------------

Subject: ODL - Object Description Language

------------------------------

Subject: OFF - Object File Format

         Type: 3D
    Extension: off
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

OFF was developed in 1986 at Digital Equipment Corporation's Workstation
Systems Engineering for the interchange and archiving of 3D objects. OFF is
an ASCII-based format and is independent of languages, devices, and operating
systems.

The specification for OFF is:

  Rost, Randi, OFF--A 3D Object File Format, November 6, 1986 (updated
    October 12, 1989).

The OFF archive is available at:

  ftp://gatekeeper.dec.com/pub/DEC/

This archive contains the format specification, tools, and objects. It is not
currently supported and is copyrighted.

------------------------------

Subject: OpenMath

------------------------------

Subject: PBM - Portable Bitmap

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

The Portable greymap file format is part of the Extended Portable Bitmap
Utilities (PBMPLUS). PBM is used as an intermediate format for storing
monochrome bitmap information generated by the PBMPLUS toolkit. PBM files may
be either binary or ASCII and store data one-bit-per-pixel in size.

Information and source code for PBM can be found in the distribution for
PBMPLUS located at:

  ftp://ftp.wustl.edu/graphics/graphics/packages/pbmplus/pbmplus10dec91.tar.Z

The specification for the PBM format can also be found in the manual page for
pbm(5) on many Unix systems.

------------------------------

Subject: PCX - ZSoft Paint

         Type: Raster
    Extension: PCX, PCC
      Version: 
  Compression: RLE
  Color Depth: 1 to 24 bits
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

PCX is one of the oldest bitmapped formats popularized by MS-DOS paint
programs that first appeared in the early 1980's. PCX files may store mapped
and unmapped image data from 1- to 24-bits in pixel depth, always contain
RLE-compressed image data, and are recognized by almost all still-image
graphics programs ever written.

But because of the kludged evolution of the PCX format (caused partly by the
efforts of Zsoft to continue to support the ever-changing world of graphics
display adapters) it is generally advised that the MS Windows BMP format be
used in place of PCX whenever possible.

Once upon a time ZSoft was bought by Wordstar, who was then bought by
SoftKey. It is not currently known if anyone distributes the original,
poorly written, specification for PCX. No matter, as most book on graphics
file format completely describe the PCX format.

------------------------------

Subject: PDF - Portable Document Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

PDF files are viewable using Adobe's Acrobat Reader 2.0 program.

PDF was created and is maintained by Adobe Systems Incorporated:

  Adobe Systems Incorporated
  1585 Charleston Road P.O. Box 7900
  Mountain View, CA 94039-7900
  Voice: 415.961.4400
  Voice: 415.961.4111 (Developer Support)
  Fax:   415.961.3769

Sample PDF images files may be found at:

  ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/Acrobat/PDFsamples/

The Adobe Acrobat Software Developer's Kits for Unix, Macintosh, Microsoft
Windows, and MS-DOS may be found at:

  ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/Acrobat/SDK/

You can download a PDF plug-in for your Web browser from:

  ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/Acrobat/

Additional PDF information may also be gathered from Adobe's home Web page:

  http://www.adobe.com/

------------------------------

Subject: PDS - Planetary Data System Format

         Type: General data format
    Extension: PDS
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: NASA
Specification:

PDS was created by the Planetary Branch of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) to store solar, lunar, and planetary data collected both
on Earth and by spacecraft. And as with most U.S. Government documents, the
specification is quite large and spread over several documents:

  Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Standard for the Preparation and Interchange of
    Data Sets, JPL Document D-4683, NASA, Pasadena, CA, 1988.
  Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Data Preparation Workbook,
    JPL Document D-7669, NASA, Pasadena, CA, 1990.
  Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Planetary Data System Standards Reference,
    JPL Document D-4683, NASA, Pasadena, CA, 1990.
  Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Specification for the Object Description
    Language, NASA, Pasadena, CA, 1990.

These documents are available from:

  NASA
  Planetary Branch
  Jet Propulsion Laboratory
  Mail Stop 525-3610
  4800 Oak Grove Drive
  Pasadena, CA 91109
  Voice: 818.354.7587
  Email: PDS_Operator@jplpds.jpl.nasa.gov

The PDS Standards Reference Document may also be found at:

  http://stardust.jpl.nasa.gov/stdref/stdref.htm

------------------------------

Subject: PGM - Portable Greymap

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

The Portable greymap file format is part of the Extended Portable Bitmap
Utilities (PBMPLUS). PGM is used as an intermediate format for storing
greyscale bitmap information generated by the PBMPLUS toolkit. PGM files may
be either binary or ASCII and store pixel values up to 8 bits in size.

Information and source code for PGM can be found in the distribution for
PBMPLUS (see the section on the PBM format for information on PBMPLUS). The
specification for the PGM format can also be found in the manual page for
pgm(5) on many Unix systems.

------------------------------

Subject: PHD - PolyHedra Database

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: PIC - Lotus PIC Graphics Format

         Type: Vector
    Extension: PIC
      Version: 
  Compression: None
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: PIC - Micrografx Draw! Graphics Format

         Type: Vector
    Extension: PIC
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Micrografx
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: PIC - Pegasus Imaging Corporation Format

         Type: 
    Extension: PIC
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

  Pegasus Image Corporation
  4350 W. Cypress Street, Suite 908
  Tampa, FL 33607
  Voice: 813.875.7575
  Fax:   813.875.7705
  BBS:   813.874.5515  Name: guest guest, Password: demo
  CIS:   GO PEGASUS

------------------------------

Subject: PIC - Video Show Graphics Format

         Type: PIC
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: General Parametrics Corporation
Specification:

Native file format used by the General Parametrics Corporation Video
Show Film Recorder.


------------------------------

Subject: PICT - Macintosh Picture

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Apple Computer 
Specification:

The book Inside Macintosh, Volume 5, contains a description of PICT.
The Macintosh Technical note #27 also describes PICT.
The book Inside Machintosh: Quicktime, describes PICT-JPEG.

You can obtain the Inside Macintosh books in electronic form from:

  http://dev.info.apple.com/insidemac.html

  ftp://ftp.info.apple.com/Apple.Support.Area/Developer_Services/Technical_Documentation/Inside_Macintosh
  ftp://ftp.info.euro.apple.com/Apple.Support.Area/Developer_Services/Technical_Documentation/Inside_Macintosh

------------------------------

Subject: PIX - Inset Pix

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

    Quarterdeck Home Page
    http://www.insetusa.com/

------------------------------

Subject: PLY - ZipPack

         Type: 3D
    Extension: ply
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Silicon Graphics
Specification:

PLY is a polygon mesh format used by the Silicon Graphics ZipPack program.

ZipPack includes the program ply which reads and writes the PLY file format.
The ZipPack distribution is available at:

  ftp://graphics.stanford.edu/pub/zippack

The ZipPack distribution is also available from the ZipPack Web page:

  http://www-graphics.stanford.edu/software/zippack

------------------------------

Subject: PNG - Portable Network Graphics

         Type: Raster
    Extension: PNG
      Version: 
  Compression: RLE
  Color Depth: 1 to 48 bits
   Maintainer: Tom Boutell
Specification: http://www.boutell.com/boutell/png/

PNG (pronounced "ping"), Portable Network Graphics, is a new bitmap format
whose creation was spurred by the unfortunate legal situation surrounding
the GIF format.  The PNG specification explains its basic rationale thus:

  The PNG format provides a portable, legally unencumbered, well-compressed,
  well-specified standard for lossless bitmapped image files.  Although the
  initial motivation for developing PNG was to replace GIF, the design
  provides some useful new features not available in GIF, with minimal cost
  to developers.

The PNG specification is now frozen, and has been approved as a W3C
Recommendation by the World Wide Web Consortium.  It has also been
approved as an informational RFC, but (as of Jan 1997) has not yet been
formally issued by IETF.

Questions about PNG may be asked on the comp.graphics.misc newsgroup, or via
email at:

  png-info@uunet.uu.net

Several PNG-related mailing lists are available:

  png-list@dworkin.wustl.edu        General PNG discussion
  png-announce@dworkin.wustl.edu    Announcements related to PNG (low volume)
  png-implement@dworkin.wustl.edu   Discussion of PNG implementations

To find out more about the mailing list server, send mail to
png-list-request@dworkin.wustl.edu with the word "help" (and nothing else)
in the message body.

The official PNG FTP archive is:

  ftp://ftp.uu.net/graphics/png/

which is currently mirrored at

  ftp://swrinde.nde.swri.edu/pub/png/

The archives include the specification text in several formats (the spec
is also available from W3C at the URL cited above), a reference
implementation in portable C (still in development, as of 1996), and sets
of test images.  Note that in the case of any discrepancy between the
specification and the reference implementation, the specification is to be
considered correct and the code in error.

The PNG group has a home page with pointers to many other PNG resources at:

  http://www.wco.com/~png/

PNG's very first journal article has appeared:

  PNG: The Portable Network Graphic Format, Dr. Dobb's Journal, 
    Lee Daniel Crocker, #232 July 1995 (Vol 20, Issue 7), pp. 36-44.

The code for the above issues are available at:

  ftp://ftp.mv.com/pub/ddj/1995/1995.07/ptot.zip

And another article:

  Portable Network Graphics, Web Techniques, Paul Atzberger and 
    Andrew Zolli, Vol 1. Issue 9, December 1996, pp. 65-70.

See also MNG (Multiple Network Graphics)

------------------------------

Subject: PPM - Portable Pixmap

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

The Portable pixmap file format is part of the Extended Portable Bitmap
Utilities (PBMPLUS). PPM is used as an intermediate format for storing color
bitmap information generated by the PBMPLUS toolkit. PPM files may be either
binary or ASCII and store pixel values up to 24 bits in size.

Information and source code for PPM can be found in the distribution for
PBMPLUS (see the section on the PBM format for information on PBMPLUS). The
specification for the PPM format can also be found in the manual page for
ppm(5) on many Unix systems.

------------------------------

Subject: POL - InnovMetric Software Polygon Models Format

         Type: 3D
    Extension: pol
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/files/pol.pdf

POL is the native 3D file format for software products created by InnovMetric
Software. The POL format was created to fill the need of storing data
representing multi-contour, simple, planular, polygons using a binary file
format.

InnovMetric Software is developing a complete line of software products for
building 3-D polygonal models using a 3-D imaging system. Two of these
software tools are targeted at real-time 3-D graphics applications.
IMCompress and IMFilter are two complementary tools for optimally reducing
the number of polygons in a 3-D model. IMCompress uses a surface-based
algorithm to downsize highly redundant models such as Digital Terrain Models
and polygonal models generated by a CAD or a 3-D imaging system. IMFilter
uses a volume-based algorithm to create ultra-compact models (20 to 500
triangles) for level of details management in applications requiring
real-time 3-D graphics.

The POL file format specification is primarily distributed as Appendix B of
the IMCompress User's Guide published by InnovMetric Software. The
specification is also available in PostScript format as the file pol.ps in a
few of the graphics file format specification archived listed in part 1 of
this FAQ.

POL was created and is maintained by:

  InnovMetric Software Inc.
  2065 Charest ouest, Suite 218
  Sainte-Foy, Quebec
  Canada, G1N 2G1  

Questions about POL may be directed to:

  Marc Soucy <msoucy@imetric.qc.ca>

------------------------------

Subject: POV - Persistence of Vision Raytracing

         Type: 3D scene description language
    Extension: pov
      Version: 2.2
  Compression: None
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: POV-Ray Team
Specification: ftp://ftp.povray.org/pub/povray/Official/docs/povdoc-2_2.zip

The POV-Ray format is used to store a scene description language used by the
POV-Ray ray tracing software package. POV-Ray files are always ASCII to allow
easy transportation between different file systems.

The specification for the POV file format and scene description language is
found in the file povray.doc in the POV-Ray distribution. You may obtain
this file (and the entire POV-Ray package) from the official POV-Ray FTP
archive and Web sites: 
  
  ftp://ftp.povray.org/pub/povray/Official/docs/povdoc-2_2.zip
  http://www.povray.org/pub/povray/Official/docs/povdoc-2_2.zip

or from these official mirror sites:

  ftp://alfred.ccs.carleton.ca/
  ftp://uniwa.uwa.edu.au/
 
Questions about POV-Ray may also be direct to:

  Chris Young
  POV-Team Coordinator
  76702.1655@compuserve.com

or to the comp.graphics.rendering.raytracing newsgroup on Usenet.

The following is an excellent book on ray tracing using the POV-Ray tracing
software package for the PC:

  Ray Tracing Creations: Generate 3D Photo-Realistic Images on the PC,
    Drew Wells and Chris Young, Waite Group Press 1993.

It is also worth noting that not only is POV-Ray an excellent ray
tracing package, but its source and binaries are availble for most
systems and widely distributed free of cost.

------------------------------

Subject: PS - PostScript

         Type: Page Description Language
    Extension: PS
      Version: 
  Compression: None, LZW
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Adobe Systems
Specification:

PostScript was created and is maintained by Adobe Systems Incorporated:

  Adobe Systems Incorporated
  1585 Charleston Road P.O. Box 7900
  Mountain View, CA 94039-7900
  Voice: 415.961.4400
  Voice: 415.961.4111 (Developer Support)
  Fax:   415.961.3769
  BBS:   206.623.6984 (14.4-N-8-1)
  FTP:   ftp://ftp.adobe.com/
  WWW:   http://www.adobe.com/

The primary source of PostScript formation may be found in the Adobe
PostScript Langauge books:

  Red Book:   Postscript Language Reference Manual, 2nd ed.
                Adobe Systems Inc., Addison-Wesley. ISBN 0-201-18127-4,
                $26.95US softcover
                  
  Blue Book:  Postscript Language Tutorial and Cookbook, 
                Adobe Systems Inc., Addison-Wesley. ISBN 0-201-10179-3,
                $16.95US softcover
                  
  Green Book: PostScript Language Program Design,
                Adobe Systems Inc., Addison-Wesley. ISBN 0-201-14396-8,
                $22.95US softcover
                  
  Black Book: Adobe Type 1 Font Format Specification,
                Adobe Systems Inc., Addison-Wesley. ISBN 0-201-57044-0,
                $14.95US softcover

  Purple Book: Programming the Display PostScript System with NeXTstep,
                Adobe Systems Inc., Addison-Wesley. ISBN 0-201-58135-3,
                $26.95US softcover

You may order these books directly from Adobe Systems in Mountain View,
California, by calling 1.800.83.FONTS (U.S. and Canada only) or 415.961.4400
(ask for "Inside Sales"). Or from Hayden Publishing at 1.800.428.5331.


Additional information on PostScript may be found on Adobe's FTP server and
Web site:

  ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/DeveloperSupport/Technotes/
  http://www.adobe.com/

The Usenet newsgroup comp.lang.postscript covers issues relating to the Adobe
PostScript language. The PostScript FAQ is available at:

  http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/postscript-faq/top.html

The Usenet newsgroup comp.fonts also covers issues relating to fonts. The
comp.fonts FAQ is available at:

  http://jasper.ora.com/comp.fonts/FAQ/

The Usenet newsgroup comp.sources.postscript contains source code of
PostScript programs. Other newsgroups that may be of interest are: 
comp.periphs.printers, comp.laser-printers, comp.text.pdf, comp.text.desktop,
and comp.publish.prepress.

The Encapsulated PostScript specification (v2.0) may be found at:

  http://www.adobe.com/supportservice/devrelations/PDFS/TN/5002.EPSF_Spec_v2.0.pdf

------------------------------

Subject: PSD - Adobe Photoshop

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: PSD
      Version: 3.0
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Adobe Systems
Specification:

PSD is the native bitmap file format of the Adobe Photoshop graphical editing
application. PSD files have the extension .PSD under MS Windows and the file
type code 8PBS on the Macintosh.

Other file formats associated with Photoshop include: Arbitrary Map (.AMP),
Brushed (.ABR), Color Table (.ACT), Colors (.ACO), Command Buttens (.ACM),
Curves (.ACV), Duotone Options (.ADO), Halftone Screens (.AHS),
Hue/Saturation (.HSS), Ink Colors Setup (.API), Custom Kerenel (.ACF), Levels
(.ALV), Monitor Setup (.AMS), Replace Color/Color Range (.AXT), Scratch Area
(.ASR), Selective Color (.ASV), Separation Setup (.ASP), Separation Tables
(.AST), and Transfer Function (.ATF). 

The format specification for PSD 2.5 and other file formats associated
with Adobe Photoshop may be found in the document PSAPIDOC.*
(distributed in the Microsoft Write, Macintosh MacWrite, and Adobe
Acrobat format) under the heading "Document File Formats".
These documents are part of the Photoshop Plug-In Software Developers
Kit, available via FTP and from the Adobe Developers Association's
home page:

  http://www.adobe.com/Support/ADA.html
  ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/Applications/Photoshop/*/Plug-In-SDK/

This SDK is also available directly from Adobe (see the PostScript section
for information on how to contact Adobe Systems, Inc.).

The specification for the Adobe Photoshop Raw File Format may be found at:

  http://www.adobe.com/supportservice/custsupport/SOLUTIONS/25c6.htm

------------------------------

Subject: PTU - Performer Terrain Utilities

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: QT - QuickTime

         Type: Multimedia
    Extension: QT
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Apple Computer
Specification:

You can obtain the Inside Macintosh books in electronic form from:

  http://dev.info.apple.com/insidemac.html

The complete QuickTime section from Inside Macintosh in PDF formats is
available at:

  http://dev.info.apple.com/Developer_Services/Technical_Documentation/Inside_Macintosh/QuickTime/CompleteBookPkg/



------------------------------

Subject: QTVR - QuickTime VR

         Type: Scene
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: Object Movie http://dev.info.apple.com/Technotes/tn1036.html
               Panorama Movie http://dev.info.apple.com/Technotes/tn1035.html

You can find the QuickTime VR FAQ at
http://dev.info.apple.com/techqa/qtvr/qtvr.html

Contact Apple Developer Support at DEVSUPPORT@applelink.apple.com.

To join the QuickTime Developer mailing list, send an email to
listproc@abs.apple.com with the body "subscribe quicktime-dev
yourfirstname yourlastname".

------------------------------

Subject: RAD - Radience

         Type: 3D
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression: None
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Greg Ward <gjward@lbl.gov>
Specification:

RAD is the native file format for the public domain Unix Radiance radiosity
renderer. An MS-DOS version is available as part of the ADELINE 1.0 package.

The RAD specification and Radience package are available at:

  http://radsite.lbl.gov/radience/HOME.html

For information on ADELINE, check out:

  http://radsite.lbl.gov/adeline/HOME.html

------------------------------

Subject: RAS - Sun Rasterfile

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: ras
      Version: 
  Compression: None, RLE
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Sun Microsystems
Specification:

Sun rasterfile is the native bitmap format of Sun Microsystem Unix systems.
The rasterfile format has become more wide-spread with the growing popularity
of the SunOS operating system and Sun SPARCStation family of Unix
workststaions.

Sun rasterfiles store images up to 32 bits in pixel depth and support a basic
for of run-length data compression.

The primary source of information for Sun Rasterfiles is the SunOS include
file /usr/include/rasterfile.h and the rasterfile online manual page:

  Sun Microsystems, rasterfile (5), Sun OS 4.0 Programmer's Manual, 1990.

The following jounal article is devoted to the Sun rasterfile:

  McGee, Format for Byte-Encoded Rasterfiles, Sun-Spots Digest, Volume 6,
  Issue 84.

And several books on graphics file formats also feature the rasterfile format.

------------------------------

Subject: RAY - Rayshade

         Type: 3D
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

Rayshade is a ray-tracing application for the Unix environment. The
Rayshade format is the native scene description language used by Rayshade.
And like most 3D scene-rendering formats it is ASCII-based and supports
most features commonly found in these formats.

The specification is available in the Rayshade distribution on many BBSs
and FTP archive sites. The official Rayshade FTP site is:

  ftp://princeton.edu/pub/Graphics/

And the format is detailed in the document:

  Rayshade 4.0 Quick Reference

The author may be contacted at:

  Princeton University
  Attn: Craig Kolb
  Department of Computer Science
  35 Olden Street
  Princeton, NJ 08544
  Email: cek@princeton.edu

------------------------------

Subject: RFT-DCA - Revisable-Form Text Document Content Architecture

         Type: Word processing
    Extension: RFT
      Version: Many
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: IBM Corporation
Specification:

RFT was developed by IBM for transfering documents between IBM and non-IBM
word processing systems. It is most commonly assocated with the DisplayWrite
word processor on the IBM 360, 370, and AS/400 systems. Information on
RFT-DCA may be found in the following IBM document:

  Document Content Architecture: Revisable-Form-Text Reference,
    Document SC23-0758-1, Second Edition, August 1986

RFT is often confused with the Microsoft RTF (Rich Text Format), which also
enables the portability of word processing documents between dis-similar
systems.

------------------------------

Subject: RAW - Photoshop RAW

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: RAW
      Version: 
  Compression: None
  Color Depth: 24-bit
   Maintainer: Adobe Systems
Specification: http://www.adobe.com/

A Photoshop Raw file is a Photoshop PSD file without a header. The header
information must be entered when the file is imported into Photoshop. The
raw format is used import and export bitmap data using a very simple,
uncompressed binary format.

------------------------------

Subject: RIB - Renderman Interface Bytestream

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

The RenderMAN file format specification may be found in the following
document available from Pixar: 

  The RenderMAN Interface, Version 3.1, September 1989. San Rafael, CA.

  Pixar
  1001 West Cutting Blvd.
  Richmond, California 9484 USA
  Voice: 415.236.4000

Also of interest is the following publication:

  The RenderMan Companion: A Programmer's Guide to Realistic Computer
    Graphics, Steve Upstill, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company,
    ISBN 0-201-50868-0, $26.95

------------------------------

Subject: RIFF - Microsoft Resource Interchange File Format

         Type: Multimedia
    Extension: AVI, BND, WAV
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Microsoft Corporation
Specification:

  Microsoft Corporation
  Attn: Multimedia System Group
  Product Marketing
  One Microsoft Way
  Redmond, WA 98052-6399
  Voice: 206.882.8080
  BBS:   206.637.9009

Information on RIFF may be found in the following documents:

  Microsoft Windows Multimedia Programmer's Guide, Microsoft
  Corporation, Microsoft Press, Redmond, WA.

  Microsoft Windows Multimedia Programmer's Reference, Microsoft
  Corporation, Microsoft Press, Redmond, WA.

The specification is also available in the Microsoft Multimedia Development
Kit (MDK), the Microsoft Video for Windows Development Kit (VFWDK), and
the Microsoft Developers Network CDs.

  ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/developr/drg/Multimedia/Jumpstart/VfW11e/DK/VFWDK/
    Video for Windows Development Kit, v1.1e

Also have a look at:

  http://www.r2m.com/windev/
    Internet Resources for Windows Developers

------------------------------

Subject: RIX - ColoRIX Image File

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: RIX
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

ColorRIX is the native bitmap format of the ColorRIX VGA Paint application
for MS-DOS.

The ColorRIX format is documented in the ColorRIX VGA Paint manual
distributed with the ColorRIX program. The last known address of 
RIX Softworks was:

  RIX SoftWorks Inc.
  Attn: Richard Brownback or Paul Harker
  18023 Sky Park Circle, Suite J
  Irvine, CA 92714
  Voice: 714.476.8266
  Voice: 714.476.8486

ColorRIX is also bundled with several different VGA cards and the
specification may also be found on numerous FTP archive sites.

------------------------------

Subject: RTF - Rich Text Format

         Type: Word processing
    Extension: RTF
      Version: 1.4
  Compression: None
  Color Depth: 24-bits
   Maintainer: Microsoft Corporation
Specification:

Upon the official Microsoft blurbs I cannot improve:

"The Rich Text Format (RTF) standard is a method of encoding
formatted text and graphics for easy transfer between MS-DOS,
Windows, Windows 95, OS/2, and Apple Macintosh applications."

"The RTF standard provides a format for text and graphics
interchange that can be used with different output devices, operating
environments, and operating systems. RTF uses the ANSI, PC-8,
Macintosh, or IBM PC character set to control the representation and
formatting of a document, both on the screen and in print. With the
RTF standard, you can transfer documents created under different
operating systems and with different software."

"Version 1.4 of the RTF Specification contains all RTF controls
introduced by Microsoft applications through the release of Word
7.0."

A self-extracting archive containing the RTF 1.4 specification and a
sample RTF reader may be FTPed from Microsoft:

  

Or downloaded from Microsoft's BBS at: +1.206.936.6735

RTF is often confused with the IBM Revisable-Form Text Document
Content Architecture (RFT), which also enables the portability of
word processing documents between dis-similar systems.  

 
------------------------------
 

Subject: RWX - MEME Shape File

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: RWX - Criterion RenderWare

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: S1K - S1000 Simnet Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: SAF - Standard Archive Format

         Type: General
    Extension: SAF
      Version: 
  Compression: None, GZIP
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Advanced Missle Signature Center (AMSC)
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: SAIF - Spatial Archive Interchange Format

         Type: General data format
    Extension: 
      Version: 3.2
  Compression: 
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/~srmb/saif32/toc.html

SAIF (pronounced "safe") is a standard format for the storage and interchange
of geographical data. 

The SAIF format specification is available at:

  ftp://s2k-ftp.cs.berkeley.edu/pub/sequoia/schema/STANDARDS/SAIF
  ftp://moon.cecer.army.mil/ogis/related/SAIF3.1

And visit the SAIF home page at:

  http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/~srmb/saif.html

For more information contact:

SAIF Info
Surveys and Resource Mapping Branch
B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks
Fourth Floor, 1802 Douglas Street
Victoria, BA CANADA V8T 4K6
Voice: 604.387.1353
Fax:   604.356.7831
WWW:   http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/srmb/saif.htm

The following company provides software tools for using SAIF:

  Safe Software                                       
  Voice: 604.241.4424
  Voice: 604.583.2016
  Email: infosafe@safe.com
  WWW: http://www.wimsey.com/~infosafe/saif/saifHome.html

------------------------------

Subject: SAT - ACIS

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: Scene

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: Scitex HandShake Formats

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: CT, LW, BM, PG, and TX
      Version: April 1988
  Compression: None and RLE
  Color Depth: 1-bit to 128-bit
   Maintainer: Scitex Corporation <http://www.scitex.com>
Specification: Howard White <whiteh@s9gate.sta.scitex.com>

The most well-known of the HandShake formats is Scitex CT (continuous tone).
This format may store from 1 to 16 8-bit color separations (color planes).
Typical CT files store four separation of CMYB image data. Adobe Photoshop
is an application that is commonly used to create Scitex CT image files.

The other HandShake formats include LW (linework, 16 color separations, 255
color maximum), BM (bitmap, 1-bit RLE image data), PG (page layout), and TX
(textual typesetter data). Of these formats, PG and BM have not been fully
implemented by Scitex and may not be in general use elsewhere. 

The Scitex HandShake data formats and data exchage protocols are described
in the following document:

  HandShake Foreign File Transfer Protocol, Scitex Corporation, Ltd.,
  Revision A: April 1988, Document No. 788-37898A, Catalog No. 399Z37898

------------------------------

Subject: SCN - SCeNe RTrace

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: SDL - Alias Wavefront Scene Description Language

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

        comp.graphics.apps.alias

------------------------------

Subject: SDML - Spacial Data Modeling Language

         Type: VRML
    Extension: sdml
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Silicon Graphics
Specification: http://www.clr.toronto.edu:1080/CLRMOSAIC/SDML.html

SDML is a spatial description language used for storing CAD and GIS data,
such as found in Landscape Planning, Design, and Architectural databases.

SDML currently exists in two versions: the old SDML format and the new
(Version 1.0) format. The old format is derived from the ASCII-based format
used in the Silicon Graphics CLRview and PolyTRIM software environments. The
new format, released in 05Feb95, is a more detailed, capable, and
size-optimized revision of the old SDML and supports all the features of the
Silicon Graphics CLRMosaic software.

Additional information on CLRMosaic can be found at:

  http://www.clr.toronto.edu:1080/CLRMOSAIC/help-about.html

Questions about SDML should be directed to:

  Rodney Hoinkes, Head of Design Applications
  Centre for Landscape Research
  University of Toronto
  230 College St.
  Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1
  Voice: 416.978.3551 
  Fax:   416.971.2094
  Email: rodney@clr.toronto.edu
  WWW:   http://www.clr.toronto.edu/PEOPLE/RODNEY/rodney.html

------------------------------

Subject: SDTS - Spatial Data Transfer Standard

         Type: General data format
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

SDTS is a standard (FIPS 173) format used for the storage and interchange
of gelogical data.

SDTS documentation and files are available from:

  ftp://sdts.er.usgs.gov/pub/sdts/www/html/sdts.html

SDTS questions may be directed to sdts@usgs.gov.

------------------------------

Subject: SFF - Scene File Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: SGI - Silicon Graphics Image File Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

SGI is the native file format of the limage image library found on Silicon
Graphics workstations. The limage library provides a set of functions used
to read and write SGI images.

The SGI file format is a creation of Paul Haeberli (paul@sgi.com) at Silicon
Graphics Computer Systems. The SGI format specification may be found at:

  ftp://ftp.sgi.com/graphics/SGIIMAGESPEC
 
The SGI format is also known as the RGB file format. On SGI workstations
you can get info on RGB and the limage library by using the following
command:
 
  % man 4 rgb

------------------------------

Subject: SHG - Segmented Hyper-Graphic

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: SHG
      Version: 
  Compression: None, RLE
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Microsoft Corporation
Specification: ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/developr/drg/Multimedia/SHED.ZIP

SHG is a file format used by Microsoft in the WinHelp on-line help facility
found in Windows 3.1. This format is used to save a Microsoft Bitmap (BMP) or
Windows Metafile (WMF) graphic and store the coordinates of specific areas of
the bitmap known as "hotspots".  When the bitmap is displayed and the user
selects a hotspot, WinHelp jumps to another part of the help documentation
via a hyper-text link macro stored in the SHG file.

Another file format used with SHG files is the Multiple-Resolution Bitmap
(MRB) format. MRB files contain one or more SHG images, each rendered at a
different resolution. Several SHG files are typically created using the
SHED.EXE utility and then fed into the MRB compiler to create a single MRB
file. When WinHelp reads the MRB file it chooses which bitmap most closely
matches the resolution of the display.

SHG is currently officially undocumented by Microsoft, but a rather
questionable specification may be found at:

  ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/developr/drg/Multimedia/SHED.ZIP

Information on SHG and MRB may be found in the following journal article:

  .mrb and .shg File Formats, Windows/DOS Developer's Journal, Pete Davis,
    February 1994 (Vol 5, No 4), pp. 37-46.

Questions about these formats may also be directed to Section 16
(WinHelp/Tools) of forum WINSDK on CompuServe.

------------------------------

Subject: Softimage

         Type: 
    Extension: 
      Version: 
  Compression: 
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

http://vizlab.beckman.uiuc.edu/softimage/
  SOFTIMAGE Users Home Page

http://www.softimage.com/
  SOFTIMAGE Official Home Page

http://softimage.co.uk/

comp.graphics.apps.softimage

------------------------------

Subject: SPIFF - Still Picture Interchange File Format

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: JPG, SPF
      Version: 
  Compression: None, JPEG, JBIG, Modified Huffman, MR, MMR
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: ITU and ISO
Specification: http://www.itu.doc/

The "official" JPEG file format. Part 3 of the JPEG standard now includes a
fully defined file format to storing JPEG data. 

When the JPEG format was standardized, disagreements among ISO committees
prevented a standard JPEG file format from being created. The defacto format
that appeared was JFIF from C-cube Microsystems. The JFIF format, although
now quite wide-spread, is very limited in capability as file formats go.

SPIFF is intended to replace the JFIF file format, adding features (more
colorspaces, a recognized way of including text blocks, and so forth),
and provding a backwards-compatability allowing SPIFF files to be read my
most JPEG/JFIF decoders. JFIF, however, has a five-year head start on SPIFF,
so the likelyhood of it being completely replaced anytime soon is not good.

SPIFF's very first journal article has appeared:

  SPIFF: Still Picture Interchange File Format, Dr. Dobb's Journal, 
    James D. Murray, #249 July 1996 (Vol 21, Issue 7), pp. 34-41.

------------------------------

Subject: STL - Stereolithography Interface Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

STL files are the native file format of the SLA CAD software created by 3D
Systems of Valencia, CA, USA. STL files may be ASCII or binary in form,
although binary is far more common due to the very large resulting size of
the CAD data when saved to the ASCII format.

------------------------------

Subject: TDDD - Imagine Object File Format

         Type: 3D    
    Extension: IFF
      Version: 
  Compression: 
  Color Depth: 
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/h_imagine1.html

TDDD (3D Data Description) is used by Impulse's Imagine 3.0 for 3D rendering data.
TDDD files contain 3D object definitions and can be extended to describe different
types of object information. TDDD data is stored as FORM TDDD chunks using the
Amiga and Electrnic Arts Interchange File Format (IFF).

Imagine 3.0 also supports a Texture File Format stored as a FORM TFORM chunk
in an IFF file. The spec for this format may be found at:

  http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/h_imagine2.html

------------------------------

Subject: TGA - Truevision (Targa) File Format

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: TGA
      Version: 
  Compression: None, RLE
  Color Depth: 1- to 32-bits (8, 16, 24, and 32 typical)
   Maintainer: Truevision Inc.
Specification:

The TGA format is one of the most widely used bitmap file formats for
storage of 24- and 32-bit truecolor images.  TGA supports colomaps,
alpha channel, gamma value, postage stamp image, textual information,
and developer-definable data.

Copies of the TGA specification, including a sample code disk, may be
obtained from Truevision:

  Truevision Incorporated
  7340 Shadeland Station
  Indianapolis, IN 46256-39925
  Voice: 317.841.0332
  Fax:   317.576.7700
  BBS:   317.577.8783
  FTP:   ftp://ftp.truevision.com/
  WWW:   http://www.truevision.com/

------------------------------

Subject: TIFF - Tag Image File Format

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: tif, TIFF
      Version: 6.0
  Compression: Uncompressed, PackBits RLE, LZW, JPEG, CCITT Group 3 & 4
  Color Depth: 24-bits
   Maintainer: Adobe Systems
Specification: ftp://sgi.com/graphics/tiff/TIFF6.ps.Z

The TIFF format was formerly owned and maintained by the Aldus Developer's
Association. Aldus has since merged with Adobe Systems and now the Adobe 
Developers Association (ADA) maintains the TIFF file format. You may obtain a
copy of the TIFF 6.0 specification in PDF format at:

  http://www.adobe.com/supportservice/devrelations/PDFS/TN/TIFF6.pdf

Or from the following FTP site:

  ftp://sgi.com/graphics/tiff/TIFF6.ps.Z
  ftp://ftp.adobe.com//pub/adobe/DeveloperSupport/TechNotes/PDFfiles/TIFF6.pdf

Or in hardcopy from +1.800.831.6395 for a cost of $25US.

A detailed text on TIFF enhancements for Adobe Pagemaker 6.0 is at:

  http://www.adobe.com/supportservice/devrelations/PDFS/TN/TIFFPM6.pdf

You can find the specs for TIFF 4.0 and 5.0 at:

  ftp://ftp.std.com/obi/Standards/Graphics/Formats/tiff.doc.4.0.Z
  ftp://ftp.std.com/obi/Standards/Graphics/Formats/tiff.doc.5.0.Z

General TIFF questions may be asked of the Adobe Developer Support group
at devsup-person@adobe.com.

You may also contact the ADA directly at:

  Adobe Developer Association
  1585 Charleston Road
  P.O. Box 7900
  Mountain View, CA 94039-7900 USA
  Voice: 415-961-4111
  FAX: 415-967.9231
  BBS: 206-623-6984
  FTP: ftp://ftp.adobe.com/
  WWW: http://www.adobe.com/Support/ADA.html

And be sure to visit Niles Ritter's The Unofficial TIFF Home Page at:

  http://www-mipl.jpl.nasa.gov/~ndr/tiff/

Information on the tag extensions of TIFF 6.0 files for storing
geographical bitmap information (GeoTIFF) may be found at:

  http://www-mipl.jpl.nasa.gov/~ndr/cartlab/geotiff/geotiff.html 
  ftp://mtritter.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/geotiff/

And the GeoTIFF FAQ may be found at:

  http://www.mmh.fi/maa/kepa/pos/geotiff/ 

Note: Any software created or modified after 01 January 1995 that supports
the capability of reading and/or writing bitmapped data stored in a TIFF file
and compressed using the LZW algorithm must obtain a patent license agreement
from Unisys Corporation. See Part I of the FAQ for more details on the Unisys
GIF-LZW and TIFF-LZW license agreements.

------------------------------

Subject: TRIF - Tiled Raster Interchange Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

TRIF was developed by the Tiling Task Group at the National Institute 
for the interchange of tiled raster data. TRIF is very similar to the
CALS Type II raster format and shares many of the same standards documents.

The keeper of TRIF seems to be:

  Frankie E. Spielman
  National Institute of Standards and Technology
  Voice: 301.975.3257

Military standards for TRIF include:

  Standards for the Interchange of Large Format Tiled Raster Documents,
  NISTIR 88-4017 (December 1988). Section 4, "A Document Application
  Profile for the Interchange of Large Format Tiled Raster Documents",
  contains the application profile definition of a TRIF coded document.

  Requirements for Raster Graphics Representation in Binary Format,
  MIL-R-28002A

  Automated Interchange of Technical Information, MIL-STD-1840A 
  (22 December 1987).

  Information Processing - Text and Office Systems - Office Document
  Architecture (ODA) and Interchange Format - Part 1: Introduction and 
  General Principles, ISO 8613/1.

  Information Processing - Text and Office Systems - Office Document 
  Architecture (ODA) and Interchange Format - Part 2:  Document Structures,
  ISO 8613/2.

  Information Processing - Text and Office Systems - Office Document
  Architecture (ODA) and Interchange Format - Part 4: Document Profile,
  ISO 8613/4.

  Information Processing - Text and Office Systems - Office Document
  Architecture (ODA) and Interchange Format - Part 7: Raster Graphics
  Content Architectures - Tiled Raster Graphics Addendum, Addendum to
  ISO 8613/7.

  Specification of Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1), ISO 8824.

  Specification of Basic Encoding Rules for Abstract Notation One (ASN.1),
  ISO 8825.

------------------------------

Subject: TTF - TrueType Font

         Type: Font
    Extension: TTF
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Apple Computer
Specification:

The TrueType font file format was created by Apple Computer and is
used on the Macintosh and Microsoft Windows 3 operating environments.
TTF files may be sent to a PostScript interpreter by first converting
them to Adobe Type 42 font files.

The TrueType font file specification is:

  The TrueType Font Format Specification 1.0, Apple Programmers and
    Developers Association (APDA), P/N M0825LL/A.

This document is available in Windows 3.1 help format and Word for Windows
2.0 format via anonymous FTP from:

  ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/developr/drg/TrueType-Info

Information, programs, and code for working with TrueType files may also be
found in this directory.

The OpenType font format (TrueType Open v.2.0) is an extension of the
TrueType font format, allowing support for PostScript font data.
OpenType was developed jointly by Microsoft and Adobe. Other documents
of interest are:

  Compact Font Format Specification, Version 1.0. Adobe Systems
  TrueType 1.0 Font Files, Technical Specification. Microsoft Corp.

And you can find the Microsoft Typography group at:

  Microsoft Typography Web Site 
  

  Microsoft Typography group
  ttwsite@microsoft.com

------------------------------

Subject: Type 42 Font Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Adobe Systems
Specification:

Type 42 is a PostScript font format used to download TrueType fonts to
PostScript interpreters which contain a TrueType rasterizer. A TrueType font
is first converted to a Type 42 format font and then read by a PostScript
interpreter. Type 42 yields better result than if a TrueType font is
converted to the Adobe Type 1 or Type 3 font formats.

The specification for the Type 42 font format is:

  The Type 42 Font Format Specification,
    Adobe Developer Support, 1 March 1993, P/N LPS5012.
   
This document available via FTP as a Tech Note in PostScript format, 
or as hardcopy when obtained directly from Adobe (see the PostScript
section for information on how to contact Adobe Systems, Inc.).

Additional information on Type 1 fonts may be found in:

  Adobe Type 1 Font Format. Addison Wesley, 1991; ISBN 0-201-57044-0.
  Technical Note #5015: The Type 1 Font Format Supplement.
  Technical Note #5087: Multiple Master Font Programs for the Macintosh.
  Technical Note #5088: Font Naming Issues.

------------------------------

Subject: URT - Utah Raster Toolkit

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

URT is the native raster file format of the Utah Raster Toolkit. This
toolkit, which first appeared in 1983, is a rich source of bitmap
manipulation tools and source code. The toolkit is copyrighted, but
distributable on a GNU-like license.

The specification for the URT file format is found in the following document
of the Utah Raster Toolkit:

  Design of the Utah RLE Format, Thomas, Spencer W., University of Utah,
    Department of Computer Science.

The Utah Raster Toolkit distribution (urt-3.0.tar.Z) may be obtained via FTP
from the following sites:

  ftp://cs.uath.edu
  ftp://weedeater.math.yale.edu
  ftp://freebie.engin.umich.edu

Questions about URT may be directed to:

  toolkit-request@cs.utah.edu
  urt-request@caen.engin.umich.edu

------------------------------

Subject: VCA - Visual Clip Art

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Superscape &lthttp://www.superscape.com&gt
Specification:


------------------------------

Subject: VICAR - Video Image Communication and Retrieval

         Type: General data format
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: NASA
Specification: http://www-mipl.jpl.nasa.gov/vic_file_fmt.html

The VICAR and VICAR2 formats are used to store planetary image data
gathered from Earth and by spacecraft, and are similar in design and
use to the FITS and PDS formats. VICAR is actually a collection of 
image processing programs used to analyze image data stored using the
VICAR data format.

Information on VICAR may be obtained directly from JPL:

  NASA
  Attn: Bob Deen
  Image Processing Laboratory
  Jet Propulsion Laboratory
  4800 Oak Grove Drive
  MS 168-414
  Pasadena, CA 91109
  Email: Bob.Deen@jpl.nasa.gov

Descriptions of the VICAR format may be found at:

  ftp://lager.geo.brown.edu/pub/doc/vicar_fmt.txt
  http://www-mipl.jpl.nasa.gov/vic_file_fmt.html

------------------------------

Subject: VIFF - Visualization Image File Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

VIFF is the native bitmap graphics file format of the Khoros System
environment implemented using the X Window System.

The VIFF format specification, including other documents related to the VIFF
format, may be found in the Khoros distribution. Chapter 1 of Volume II,
Programmer's Manual, the files in the directory src/file_formats, and the
viff.h file are the most helpful.

The following FTP sites archive the Khoros distribution:

  ftp://ftp.eece.unm.edu/pub/khoros
  ftp://ftp.uu.net/pub/window-sys/khoros

The Khoros Consortium may be contacted at:

Khoral Research Inc.
6001 Indian School Road NE
Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Voice: 505.837.6500
Fax:   505.881.3842
Email: khoros-request@chama.eece.unm.edu
Email: khorus@chama.eece.unm.edu (User's Group)
Newsgroup: comp.soft-sys.khoros

------------------------------

Subject: VIT - VITec Scanner Raster Format

         Type: Raster
    Extension: .vit
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: VITec
Specification:

I have been unable to locate VITec to obtain a .vit file format spec.
If anyone knows their address then please email it to me.

If you have any VITec files that you need converting, the Image Alchemy
file conversion Web page will do it for you. You can find the page at:

 http://www.handemadesw.com/hsi/web_alchemy.html

------------------------------

Subject: VPF - Vector Product Format

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

VPF is a standard format, structure, and organization for large geographic
databases that are based on a georelational data model. VPF is primarily used
for organizing and encapsulating such digital geographic databases for
transmission.  More information on VPF may be found in the newsgroup and FAQ
of comp.infosystems.gis.

The specification for VPF may be found in the following military standard
document:

  MIL-STD-600006, Vector Product Format, 13 April 1992

This MIL-STD may be obtained from:

  Naval Publications & Forms Center
  Code 3051
  5801 Tabot Ave.
  Philadelphia, PA 19120 USA

------------------------------

Subject: VRML - Virtual Reality Modeling Language

         Type: VRML
    Extension: vrml
      Version: 1.0c
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.eit.com/vrml/vrmlspec.html
               http://vrml.wired/com/proposals/labspec.html

VRML is a proposed design based on the Silicon Graphics Open Inventor ASCII
file format. Originally called the Inventor VRML, this format has evolved
into what is now the VRML format.

VRML is also called a "Markup Language" for reasons that it is used in a
fashion similar to HTML (HyperText Markup Language), but for rendering 3D
graphics rather than text. VRML, however, is in no way derived from HTML.

The current VRML specification may be obtained from:

  http://www.eit.com/vrml/vrmlspec.html

Other sources of VRML specs include:

  http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/vrml1.0/vrml10-3.html
  http://www.mediatel.lu/mmedia/render/vrml1.0c/vrml10c.html

Questions about VRML may be directed to:

  Mark Pesce, Enterprise Integration Technology, Inc. <mpesce@netcom.com>
  Anthony Parsi, Labyrinth Group <dagobert@netcom.com>
  Gavin Bell, Silicon Graphics, Inc. <gavin@sgi.com>

The original Inventor-VRML specification may be obtained from:

  http://www.sgi.com/Technology/Inventor/VRML/VRMLDesign.html

The Labyrinth VRML specification may be obtained from:

  http://vrml.wired.com/proposals.labspec.html

VRML Research and Sample images:

  http://www.sdsc.edu/vrml
  http://www.sgi.com/FreeStuff/Cool-Scene.vrml

------------------------------

Subject: WebOOGL - Web Object Oriented Graphics Library

         Type: VRML
    Extension: oogl
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification: http://www.geom.umn.edu/docs/weboogl/weboogl.html

WebOOGL is a OOGL-based format used for describing 3D graphics on the World
Wide Web. This format supports the embedding of URL links within 3D objects
and allows multiple WebOOGL objects found at different locations on the Web
to be combined into a single scene.

Additional information om the use of OOGL as a VRML may be obtained from:

  http://vrml.wired.com/proposals/oogl.html

------------------------------

Subject: WMF - Microsoft Windows Metafile

         Type: Metafile
    Extension: WMF
      Version: 
  Compression: None
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: Microsoft Corporation
Specification:

WMF is the native vector file format for the Microsoft Windows operating
environment. WMF files are actually a collection of GDI (Graphics Device
Interface) function calls also native to the Windows environment. When a WMF
file is "played back" (typically using the Windows PlayMetaFile() function)
the graphics is rendered. WMF files are device-independant and have no limit
to their size.

Most books on Microsoft Windows programming contain sections on the internals
of WMF files. The closest thing Microsoft has for a specification for the WMF
format is in Volume 4 of the Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit
Programmer's Reference. Chapter 3 details the internals of the Metafile
Format.

The Microsoft Knowledge Base (available at ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/kb/ and on the
Microsoft Developer Network CD) also contains the complete specification of
WMF. I also highly recommend the book:

  Inside Windows File Formats, Tom Swan, Sams Publishing 1993.
  ISBN 0-672-30338-8 $24.95 softcover, 337 pages.

The placeable metafile format was created by Aldus Corp. to allow the 
positioning of a Windows metafile on a printed page. These metafiles have
a 22-byte header then must be stripped before they can be used by the
Windows API. Have a look at the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

  http://www.microsoft.com/Softlib/MSLFILES/METAFILE.EXE
  This archive contains the METAFILE.HLP help file that describes
  the WMF file format.

  http://www.microsoft.com/Softlib/MSLFILES/PLAYMETA.EXE
  This archive contains sample Windows code to manipulate WMF files.

  http://www.microsoft.com/developr/MSDN/OctCD/METAFI.ZIP
  This archive contains the METAFI.HLP help file that describes
  the WMF file format. 

Also have a look at:

  http://www.r2m.com/windev/
    Internet Resources for Windows Developers

------------------------------

Subject: WPG - WordPerfect Graphics Metafile

         Type: Metafile
    Extension: wpg
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

WPG is the native graphics file format of the WordPerfect Corporation line
of software products. For this reason it is common to find WPG files in
MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, and Unix environments.

WPG files may store bitmapped or vector graphics data, or Encapsulated
PostScript data as well. Bitmapped data may be up to 24-bits deep and
selectable from a palette of 256 colors. 

The WPG specification is published in the WordPerfect Corporation
Developer's Toolkit for PC Products. This toolkit is available directly
from WordPerfect Information Services:

  WordPerfect Information Services
  Voice: 801.225.5000

Technical questions regarding WPG may be directed to:

  WordPerfect Manufacturer/Developer Relations Department
  Voice: 801.228.7700
  Fax:   801.228.7777
  CompuServe: 72567,3612

And if all else fails:

  WordPerfect Corporation
  1555 North Technology Way
  Orem, UT 84057
  Voice: 800.526.4477
  Fax:   801.222.5077
  BBS:   801.225.4414

------------------------------

Subject: X3D - x3d and xdart Formats

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

------------------------------

Subject: XBM - X BitMap

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

XBM is a native file format of The X Window System and is used for storing
cursor and icon bitmaps that are used in the X GUI. XBM files are quite
different in that they are actually C language source files that are
created to be read by a C compiler rather than a graphical display
program.

XBM data is typically found in headers (.h files) and are a series of
static unsigned char arrays containing the monochrome pixel data. There is
one array per image stored in the header.

XBM was created by the X Consortium as part of the X Window System. Refer
to the /bitmaps directory of the X Window distribution for examples of XBM
files. The central FTP distribution site for X version 11 is:

  ftp://ftp.x.org

Reference works describing XBM include:

  Xlib-C language X Interface, Gettys, James, and Robert W. Scheiffler,
  Consortium Standard, X Version 11, Release 5, First Revision, August 1991.

  Xlib Programming Manual, Nye, Adrian, third edition, O'Reilly & Associates,
  Inc. Sebastopol, CA, 1992.

------------------------------

Subject: XOF - RenderMorphics

         Type: 3D
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

RenderMorphics created the 3D renderer Reality Lab.
RenderMorphics was aquired by Microsoft in February 1995.
RealityLab is now a core component of Windows95.

------------------------------

Subject: XPM - X PixMap

         Type: 
    Extension:
      Version: 
  Compression:
  Color Depth:
   Maintainer: 
Specification:

XPM is a defacto standard for storing monochome, gray-scale, and color
pixmap data to disk under the X Window system. XPM files, like XBM files,
are C source code files, with each pixmap being defined as a static char
array.

The XPM format was created through the work of the KOALA Project at Groupe
Bull Research. Questions about XPM may be directed to:

  BULL Research
  c/o INRIA
  2004 route des Lucoiles
  06565 Valbonne Cedex
  France
  Email: lehors@sophia.inria.fr

You may subscribe to the XPM mailing list by sending a subscription request
to:

  xpm-talk-request@sophia.inria.fr

The XPM library (a collection of utilities that read and write XPM files)
version 3.2g (April 1993) may be obtained via FTP from:

  ftp://avahi.inria.fr/contrib/xpm.tar.Z
  ftp://export.lcs.mit.edu

And a collection of XPM files (mostly icons) resides at:

  ftp://ftp.x.org/contrib/AIcons

------------------------------

Subject: WSQ - Wavelet-packet Scalar Quantization Format

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: .wsq
      Version: 
  Compression: Wavelet
  Color Depth: 1-bit
   Maintainer: Los Alamos
Specification: ftp://ftp.c3.lanl.gov/pub/WSQ/documents/wsqSpec2.ps.Z

------------------------------

Subject: XWD - X Window Dump

         Type: Bitmap
    Extension: .xwd
      Version: 
  Compression: None
  Color Depth: Unlimited
   Maintainer: X Consortium
Specification: ftp://ftp.x.org/

XWD is used to store screen dumps created by the xwd client process in the
X Window System. The image of any window or the background may be saved
(dumped) to an XWD file. Using the following command:

  xwd -root > bg.xwd

The background is saved to the file bg.xwd. By replacing the "root" flag
with the ID of a window, only that window will be saved to the XWD file.

XWD was created by the X Consortium as part of the X Window System. Refer
to the /usr/include/X11 directory for header files (XWDFile.h) that define
the X10 and X11 versions of the XWD format.  The central FTP distribution
site for X version 11 is:

  ftp://ftp.x.org

------------------------------

Subject: III. Document Sources

------------------------------

Subject: 0. U.S. Government and Military Standards Sources

The following organizations provide U.S. Government and Military documents
concerning graphics formats and standards:

  Department of Defense
  Joint Interoperability Engineering Organization
  Center for Standards
  10701 Parkridge Boulevard
  Reston, VA 22091-4398 USA

  Standardization Documents Ordering Desk
  700 Robbins Avenue
  Building 4D
  Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094 USA

  Naval Publications & Forms Center
  Code 3051
  5801 Tabot Ave.
  Philadelphia, PA 19120 USA

  Defense Information Systems Agency
  Center for Standards
  Attn: TBCE, Rm 3304
  10701 Parkridge Blvd
  Reston, VA 22091 USA
  Voice: 703.487.3536
  Email: edi@itsi.disa.mil

  Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DODSSP)
  Special Assistance Desk
  Open 7:30AM to 4PM EST Mon-Fri
  Voice: 215.697.2667
  Voice: 215.697.2179

  Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DODSSP)
  Subscription Services Desk
  700 Robbins Avenue
  Building 4D
  Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094 USA
  Voice: 215.697.2569

  Navy Print On Demand System (NPODS)
  Telespecs automated document ordering system
  Open 7AM to 10PM EST Mon-Fri
  Voice: 215.697.1187 thru .1198

  CALS Policy Office
  DASD(S)CALS Pentagon
  Room 2B322
  Washington, DC 20301

------------------------------

Subject: 1. International Standards Document Sources

Many graphics file formats and graphical information transfer protocols are
ANSI/ISO standards and may be obtained through the following offices:

  International Standards Organization (ISO)
  1 rue de Varembe
  Case Postal 56
  CH-1211 Geneva 20 
  Switzerland
  Voice: 011 41 22 749 0111
  Fax:   011 41 22 733 3430
  WWW:   http://www.iso.ch/

  American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  Customer Service
  11 West 42nd Street, 13th Floor
  New York, NY 10036 USA
  Voice: 212.642.4900
  Fax:   212.398.0023
  Fax:   212.302.1286 (sales)
  Email: jhoward@ansi.org
  WWW:   http://www.ansi.org/

  Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
  Sales Group
  178 Rexdale Boulevard
  Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3
  Voice: 416.747.4058
  Fax:   416.747.4149
  WWW:   http://www.csa.ca/

  International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
  Information Services Department
  Place des Nations
  CH 1211 Geneva 20
  Switzerland
  Voice: 011 41 22 730-6666 or 730-5554
  Fax:   011 41 22 730-5337
  Email: helpdesk@itu.ch
  X.400: S=helpdesk; A=arcom; P=itu; C=ch
  WWW:   http://www.itu.ch/

  International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
  3 rue de Varembe
  CH 1211 Geneva 20
  Switzerland
  Voice: 011 41 22 919 0211
  Fax:   011 41 22 919 0301
  FTP:   ftp://ftp.iec.ch/
  WWW:   http://www.iec.ch/

------------------------------

Subject: 2. Commercial Document Sources

  Global Engineering Documents
  2805 McGaw Avenue
  Irvine, CA 92714 USA
  Voice: 800.854.7179
  Voice: 714.261.1455
  Fax:   202.331.0960

  Global Info Center
  18201 McDurmott West
  Suite B
  Irvine, CA 92714 USA
  Voice: 714.474.5070
  Fax:   714.474.4066

  Document Center
  1504 Industry Way, Unit 9
  Belmont, CA 94002 USA
  Voice: 415.591.7600
  Fax:   415.591.7617

  Phillips Business Information
  1201 Seven Locks Road
  Potomac, MD 20854 USSA
  Voice: 301.424.3338
  Voice: 800.777.5006
  Fax:   301.309.3847
  Email: clientservices.phi@phillips.com
  WWW:   http://www.phillips.com/

------------------------------

Subject: 3. Other Standards Sources

Here's a collection of Web site pointers to many other standards
organizations. You can also find more information in the Usenet
Standards FAQ posted to the comp.protocols.iso, comp.std.misc,
comp.std.internat, comp.answers, and news.answers newgroups.

  http://www.smartpages.com/faqs/standards-faq/faq.html
  http://www.ansi.org/resource.html
  http://www.iso.ch/stbodies.html
  http://stdbbs.ieee.org/faqs/othstdsorg.html

------------------------------

Subject: IV. Kudos and Assertions

------------------------------

Subject: 0. Acknowledgments

The following people have made this FAQ take just a little bit longer to
read since the last time you looked at it (blame them and not me):

  Bjorn P. Brox         <brox@corena.no>
  Mike Beanes           <mike@virage.com>
  John Cristy           <cristy@magick.es.dupont.com>
  Michael Dillon        <michael@memra.com>
  Ben Discoe            <ben@sense8.com>
  James Durham          <durhamj@CC.IMS.DISA.MIL>
  Bruce Garner          <garner@tis.llnl.gov>
  Eric Haines           <erich@eye.com>
  Glenn Herteg          <glenn@ia-us.com>
  Chris Komnick         <komnick@group42.com>
  Tom Lane              <tgl@netcom.com>
  Stanley F. Quayle     <quayle@scriptel.com>
  Glenn Randers-Pehrson <glennrp@arl.mil>
  Jonathan Shekter      <jshekter@interlog.com>
  Marc Soucy            <msoucy@imetric.qc.ca>

------------------------------

Subject: 1. About The Author

The author of this FAQ, James D. Murray, lives in the City of Orange,
Orange County, California, USA. He is the co-author of the book
Encyclopedia of Graphics File Formats published by O'Reilly and
Associates, makes a living writing books for O'Reilly, writing
telecommuncations network management software in C++ and Visual Basic,
and may be reached as jdm@ora.com,
or via U.S. Snail at: P.O. Box 70, Orange, CA 92666-0070 USA.

------------------------------

Subject: 2. Disclaimer

While every effort has been taken to insure the accuracy of the
information contained in this FAQ list compilation, the author and
contributors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for
damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

------------------------------

Subject: 3. Copyright Notice

This FAQ is Copyright 1994-96 by James D. Murray. This work may be
reproduced, in whole or in part, using any medium, including, but not
limited to, electronic transmission, CD-ROM, or published in print, under
the condition that this copyright notice remains intact.

------------------------------



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Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer:
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Last Update April 18 1999 @ 03:30 AM

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