Editing Geographic Data Files (section)

'''Geographic Data Files''' ('''GDF''') is an [[data exchange|interchange]] [[file format]] for [[geographic data]].
In contrast with generic [[GIS file format|GIS formats]], GDF provides detailed rules for data capture and representation, and an extensive catalog of standard features, attributes and relationships. The most recent extension expanded applicability further towards pedestrian [[navigation]], 3-D map rendering, and [[advanced driver-assistance systems]] (ADAS).

GDF is commonly used for data interchange in many industries such as [[automotive navigation system]]s, [[fleet management]], [[dispatch management]], [[road traffic analysis]], [[:Category:Road traffic management|traffic management]], and [[automatic vehicle location]].

Originated as a flat [[plain-text]] file, GDF is not intended to be used directly for any large scale geographic application and normally requires conversion into a more efficient format. Consumability has been increased with most-recent developments for XML and SQL renditions.

The maps in GDF format are provided by many map vendors such as [[Here (company)|HERE]], [[TomTom]], [[Mapscape BV]], [[GeoSmart]], [[Automotive Navigation Data]], [[AutoNavi]] and  [[NavInfo]].