An HGT file stores 3D data of the planet’s surface. NASA and NGA organized the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission that collected this data. HGT files belong to the GIS Files category. They store digital elevation information from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission.
To open an HGT file, use Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Data software. Other programs that can open HGT files are VTBuilder, DG Terrain Viewer, and ArcGIS Desktop. You can also convert HGT files to TIFF, BT, or PNG formats with VTBuilder.
The HGT file extension stands for “height.” It refers to elevation data in meters above sea level. The files contain 16-bit signed integers in a geographic latitude/longitude format. Data voids are indicated by -32768.
If you encounter problems opening an HGT file, first determine the cause. Verify the file is associated with the correct software. If not, install a program that supports HGT files. Recommended programs are ArcGIS Desktop, SRTM Void Killer, VTBuilder, and Terrain Viewer.
