ADF File Extension

What is ADF file?

ADF file extension is a raster data file format used by various software created by ESRI, such as ArcView, ArcInfo, and ArcGIS. Single ADF contains vector, spatial, and geographical attributes data.

ADF file grid

ADF files use binary grids in form of layers of rows and columns to store spatial information. Grids represent continuously changing geographical phenomena that are used as input data for statistical analysis of gathered data. Each grid cell has its own X and Y coordinate information and holds numerical value of given geographical attribute.

ADF file contains sets of binary grids stored in various files. Main grid can contain several raster layers that form a layer stack. Such solution in effect allow users to view different map overlays and perform statistical data analysis.

Some types of ADF files found in folders:

• dblbnd.adf – stores grid boundary data,
• hdr.adf – header containing information regarding cell resolution,
• sta.adf – contains raster data statistics (minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation value),
• prj.adf – stores projections and parameters,
• w001001.adf – stores actual raster data.

Programs which support ADF file extension

The following listing features ADF-compatible programs. Files with ADF suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 06/10/2022

How to open file with ADF extension?

Problems with accessing ADF may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with ADF files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install TatukGIS Editor software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ADF files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install TatukGIS Editor or one to the listed programs: ArcGIS Desktop, GDAL, ArcView. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading TatukGIS Editor installed is by going to developer’s website (TatukGIS) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of TatukGIS Editor

You still cannot access ADF files although TatukGIS Editor is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why ADF files are not compatible with TatukGIS Editor. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using TatukGIS Editor.

Step 3. Associate ArcView ARC/INFO Coverage Data Format files with TatukGIS Editor

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ADF files with latest version of TatukGIS Editor you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the ADF with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where TatukGIS Editor is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ADF files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the ADF file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select TatukGIS Editor and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ADF extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the ADF is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the ADF file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the ADF in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the ADF is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the ADF file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. ADF file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the ADF file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the ADF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the ArcView ARC/INFO Coverage Data Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run TatukGIS Editor

If the systems has insufficient resources to open ADF files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with ArcView ARC/INFO Coverage Data Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with ADF files affecting older versions of given software.

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