Scientific Data Formats: Hierarchical Data Format

Overview of the HDF Format

The Hierarchical Data Format (HDF) is a multi-object file format that facilitates the transfer of various types of data between machines and operating systems. HDF is a product of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). HDF is designed to be flexible, portable, self-describing and easily extensible for future enhancements or compatibility with other standard formats. The HDF library contains interfaces for storing and retrieving images and multi-dimensional scientific data. This version of IDL supports HDF 4.1r5.

IDL's HDF routines all begin with the prefix "HDF_".

Further information about HDF can be found on the World Wide Web at the HDF Information Server:

http://hdf.ncsa.uiuc.edu  

Alternately, you can send e-mail to:

hdfhelp@ncsa.uiuc.edu.