Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.HGT
File Type
SRTM Height Terrain
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .hgt file format
The .hgt file extension is associated with SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) data. These files contain elevation data, representing terrain height above sea level. The data is typically stored as signed 16-bit integers in a grid format. Each .hgt file covers a 1x1 degree area of latitude and…
File extension
.HGT
File type
SRTM Height Terrain
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .hgt file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .hgt.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .hgt file?
File extension details and usage information
The .hgt file extension is associated with SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) data. These files contain elevation data, representing terrain height above sea level. The data is typically stored as signed 16-bit integers in a grid format. Each .hgt file covers a 1x1 degree area of latitude and longitude. The resolution of the data varies, with SRTM-1 data providing approximately 30-meter resolution (1 arc-second) for the United States and SRTM-3 data providing approximately 90-meter resolution (3 arc-seconds) for most of the world. These files are crucial for various applications, including geographic information systems (GIS), mapping, 3D modeling, flight simulation, and scientific research. They allow for accurate representation and analysis of terrain features, enabling tasks such as terrain visualization, slope calculation, watershed analysis, and route planning. The data is often used in conjunction with other geospatial datasets, such as satellite imagery and vector data, to create comprehensive and detailed maps and models of the Earth's surface. The format is relatively simple, making it easy to parse and use in custom applications.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .hgt files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .hgt files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .hgt 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 .hgt file.
Why can't I open a .hgt file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .hgt 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 .hgt files
To open a .hgt file, use software that supports this file format.
- Global Mapper
- QGIS
- ArcGIS
- MicroDEM
- Landserf
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 .hgt 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.