GeoPDF

GeoPDF
A GeoPDF is a georeferenced, compressed PDF file used to present GIS and mapping data in a free viewer. Adobe Reader 9.0 and TerraGo’s free toolbar provide the free viewer in which GeoPDFs can be quickly loaded. An estimated 90% of the world’s personal computers are able to view PDF files, allowing access to geospatial information by everyone from mapping technicians to company executives to the average citizen.

GeoPDF Advantages
The greatest advantage of the GeoPDF is the free viewer which extends the availability of data to more users. Tools within the free viewer include measurement capabilities of length and area, GPS tracking, two coordinate displays, and support for multiple datums and projection. The TerraGo toolbar also includes geospatial markup capabilities that allow users to communicate and collaborate by marking up a GeoPDF then sending those markups to other users. Geospatial markups can be exported from a GeoPDF to a KML, GPX, TWZ, or Shapefile and can be imported back into a GeoPDF, Google Maps, or directly into ArcGIS. Geospatial markups serve as an innovative way to QA/QC projects in a cost effective, less time consuming manner with data that can be hosted over the internet.

Types of GeoPDFs

Index Maps
An Index Map displays an oveview of a project area and serves as a way to keep GeoPDF projects organized. Clicking on a tile within an Index Map will retrieve a detailed GeoPDF that opens in Adobe Reader. Specific locations are easy to find visually on the index map or by using the GeoLocator Tool to jump to known coordinates. Index maps can be created to organize large and small projects from LiDAR and Orthophoto collection to 3D projects.

Existing Maps
Georegistration tools allow image files and PDFs to be converted into the GeoPDF format. Paper maps can be scanned then converted into a geo-enabled digital library making data more useful.

Layered GeoPDFs
Multiple layers can be included within a GeoPDF where the user controls which layers to turn on and off. Layers can include buildings, roads, and contours or display different image types for an area such as Orthophotos, Hybrids, NAIP, or Bare Earth Imagery. Layers can also be used to display multiple orthophotos that show temporal land changes. Many mines acquire new orthophotos on a monthly basis; a GeoPDF can be updated to display the new Orthophoto as well as past Orthophotos all in one file.

Dynamic Imagery
Adobe Reader has the means to display Dynamic Imagery of data collected with 4 or more bands. Dynamic Imagery allows the user to control what band to assign to each RGB display color which allows for the widespread use of remotely sensed data.

3D GeoPDF
In cooperation with Fugro Horizons, TerraGo Technologies has geo enabled the 3D PDF format. Users are able to view coordinates as well as elevations in a 3D environment that can be rotated, zoomed, and panned. 3D LiDAR projects can be turned into 3D GeoPDFs and viewed in Adobe Reader. Fugro Horizons, Inc. also has the capabilities to take elevation data and drape images such as topographic maps over elevation data.