.REF File Extension

IDRISI Raster Image Reference File

Developer	Clark Labs
Popularity	Average rating 3.4 / 5. Vote count: 31
Category	GIS Files
Format	.REF
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an REF file?

The .REF file extension is associated with IDRISI, which is a raster-based geographic information system (GIS) software developed by Clark Labs. IDRISI utilizes various file types to store geographic data, and the .REF file serves as a raster image reference file. It contains metadata and information necessary to interpret raster datasets within IDRISI.

More Information.

IDRISI has been a widely used GIS software in academic, research, and professional settings for decades. The .REF file was designed to complement IDRISI’s functionality by storing metadata such as coordinate system information, pixel size, and other parameters necessary for accurately interpreting raster datasets.

Origin Of This File.

The .REF file format was introduced along with the IDRISI software suite, which has been developed and maintained by Clark Labs since the 1980s. The purpose of the .REF file is to provide a standardized way to store essential information about raster images used within IDRISI.

File Structure Technical Specification.

Coordinate system parameters (e.g., projection type, datum, units)
Spatial extent (bounding coordinates)
Pixel size/resolution
Data type (e.g., integer, floating-point)
Compression method (if applicable)
Any additional information necessary for data interpretation

How to Convert the File?

Windows:

Use IDRISI software: If you have access to IDRISI software on Windows, you can open the .REF file within IDRISI and then export or save it in a different format supported by other GIS software.
Third-party conversion tools: Look for third-party conversion tools specifically designed to convert IDRISI files, including .REF files, to more common GIS formats such as GeoTIFF or ESRI Shapefile.

Linux:

Wine compatibility layer: Install IDRISI software using Wine, a compatibility layer that allows running Windows applications on Linux. Once installed, use IDRISI to open the .REF file and then save it in a format compatible with Linux GIS software.
Command-line tools: Some command-line tools or scripts might be available for converting IDRISI files to other formats. These tools may vary in functionality and ease of use.

Mac:

Virtualization: Use virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop or VirtualBox to run Windows on your Mac. Install IDRISI within the virtualized Windows environment and use it to open the .REF file and perform the conversion.
Cross-platform GIS software: Some cross-platform GIS software packages support a wide range of file formats, including those used by IDRISI. Try importing the .REF file into one of these software packages and then export it to a format compatible with Mac GIS applications.

Android:

Cloud-based conversion services: Upload the .REF file to a cloud-based conversion service that supports GIS formats and convert it to a format compatible with mobile GIS applications. Ensure that the converted file can be downloaded and opened on your Android device.
Mobile GIS apps: Some mobile GIS apps offer limited support for converting or viewing GIS data. Check if any GIS apps available for Android support the conversion of IDRISI .REF files.

iOS:

Cloud-based solutions: Similar to Android, upload the .REF file to a cloud-based conversion service compatible with iOS devices. Convert the file to a format supported by iOS GIS apps and download it to your device for viewing or further processing.
iOS GIS apps: Explore GIS apps available on the App Store that support file conversion or viewing of GIS data. Some apps may offer built-in support for IDRISI files or provide options for converting them to iOS-compatible formats.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Facilitates accurate interpretation of raster datasets within IDRISI.
Stores essential metadata in a standardized format, enhancing interoperability.
Helps maintain data integrity and consistency within GIS projects.

Disadvantages:

Limited compatibility outside of the IDRISI software ecosystem.
Requires accompanying raster datasets to be fully useful.
May not support all advanced features or metadata standards found in other GIS software.

How to Open REF?

Open In Windows

.REF files can be opened directly within IDRISI software installed on a Windows system.

Open In Linux

IDRISI software may not have native support on Linux, but it may be possible to run it using compatibility layers or virtualization.

Open In MAC

Similar to Linux, IDRISI software may not have native support on macOS, but virtualization or compatibility layers could be used.

Open In Android

IDRISI software is not typically available for mobile platforms, so opening .REF files directly on Android or iOS devices may not be possible without alternative solutions or conversion to a more mobile-friendly format.

Open In IOS

Open in Others

Third-party software or conversion tools may offer the ability to open or convert .REF files to other formats that are compatible with a wider range of applications. However, support for .REF files outside of IDRISI may be limited.