Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.DEM
File Type
Digital Elevation Model
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .dem file format
A .dem file is a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) file, a raster-based geospatial data format used to represent terrain elevation. It stores elevation values for a regular grid of locations, providing a digital representation of the Earth's surface or other planetary surfaces. These files are crucial…
File extension
.DEM
File type
Digital Elevation Model
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .dem file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .dem.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .dem file?
File extension details and usage information
A .dem file is a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) file, a raster-based geospatial data format used to represent terrain elevation. It stores elevation values for a regular grid of locations, providing a digital representation of the Earth's surface or other planetary surfaces. These files are crucial for various applications, including topographic mapping, hydrological modeling, landscape visualization, and geographic information systems (GIS). DEMs are often created from remote sensing data, such as satellite imagery or LiDAR, or from digitized topographic maps. The elevation values within the .dem file can be used to derive other terrain attributes, such as slope, aspect, and curvature. The format typically includes a header containing metadata about the data, such as the coordinate system, cell size, and data type. The data itself is usually stored as a grid of elevation values, with each value representing the elevation at a specific location. Different DEM formats exist, each with its own specific structure and encoding methods. The USGS DEM format is a common example.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .dem files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .dem files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .dem file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .dem file.
Why can't I open a .dem file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .dem format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .dem files
To open a .dem file, use software that supports this file format.
- ArcGIS Pro
- QGIS
- Global Mapper
- ENVI
- MicroDEM
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .dem file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.