Preliminary workaround for SDTS 7.5' DEMs available

If your software does not accommodate the new SDTS DEMs (SRPE: RASTER PROFILE and EXTENSIONS), editing the Profile Identification field (PRID) in the IDEN module is suggested. Although cumbersome when dealing with a large volume of data, this edit is fairly simple and will allow you immediate use of the data.

First create a backup copy of the xxxxIDEN.DDF and then make the following edit: Replace "SRPE: RASTER PROFILE and EXTENSIONS" with "SDTS RASTER PROFILE and EXTENSIONS " and save the file. Please note that special attention should be paid to every space in this field (a space must follow the word "EXTENSIONS").

Note that this workaround/manual edit should not be considered a fix, because it does not make the data compliant to the FGDC standard. The issue of non-compliance is with the profile identifier name alone and does not affect the integrity of the data.

Please note that the GIS Data Depot is not responsible for the non-compliant identifier name. The USGS is the maintenance authority for SDTS and continues to be the technical contact for the data and is responsible for policy regarding data distribution.

Graphical representation of the edit necessary:

Please contact the USGS at sdts@usgs.gov if you have any problems with this procedure, results, or if you wish to offer suggestions. You may prefer to contact your vendor for a translator for your current version of software or you may prefer to upgrade to the software version that will translate the data. Additionally, programmers in the user community may surface with translators and automated methods for implementing the workaround that will accommodate your software needs. When we learn of any of these, we will provide information here.

• Note: Updated version (V 0.017: October 3, 2001) available--The sdts2dem program has been revised by Gregg Townsenend, Staff Scientist, University of Arizona. The new sdts2dem program handles the new DEMs created after December 31, 2000. (10/5/01)