The Alaska Resource Data File

Digital Composite ARDF Files

The ARDF files for the individual quadrangles that have been completed are aggregated into an ARDF data base that is available in the same digital formats as the data for the individual quadrangles.

The ARDF files were originally compiled with FileMaker Pro software; if you have Version 3.0 or later of FileMaker Pro installed on your computer, the Digital Composite ARDF File (.fp3) of all currently available (.fp3) data can be searched and manipulated through your browser. Alternately the file can be downloaded to your computer and reside there permanently. The Digital Composite ARDF File is also available in .fp5 format and .fp7 format.

This composite ARDF data base can also be downloaded in a comma-separated-value (.csv) format that can be used with a variety of database and spreadsheet programs. If you have the appropriate software that can work with csv files installed on your computer, the data can be manipulated or searched directly through your browser; alternately, the file can be downloaded to your computer and reside there permanently.

The composite ARDF files are large, currently (as of 31 July 2008) about 45 Mb (.fp3, .fp5, and .fp7) and about 24 Mb (.csv). It may take substantial time to access them. Those who plan to use either of these files repeatedly might wish to download them onto their computer permanently and save considerable time when they are used subsequently.

Many quadrangles do not yet have ARDF data available for them. However, new quadrangles are coming on line at a brisk rate and the composite ARDF files will be updated as new quadrangles are put on line.