Import ESRI ADF format files as either a drawing or a surface depending on the data the file contains. ESRI ADF is sometimes called ArcGrid format.
ADF files can contain raster data, ESRI TIN data or vector (drawing) data. The ADF dataport will automatically configure itself to import either drawings or images as applicable. ADF files consist of an ensemble of files. Usually the best results are obtained by opening the hdr.adf file for the set, which will automatically utilize the other files as necessary.
To import from ADF format:
Choose File-Import from the main menu.
In the Import dialog browse to the location of the files and double-click on the hdr.adf file.
Either a drawing and its table or an image and its table will be imported.
Use Style to style the image if it shows terrain elevation or other non-photographic raster information.
ADF files normally are accompanied by a prj file that gives projection information, in which case the system will automatically assign the correct initial projection. If no projection information accompanies the file or if the projection information is wrongly specified, we must launch Assign Initial Coordinate System in the Info pane to specify the correct initial projection for the imported component.
For a step-by-step example, see the Example: Import an ESRI ADF File and Apply Style and Hillshading topic.
Projections - Take care to find any available commentaries or metadata information that may accompany the ADF files in use. ADF files, especially older ones, may use idiosyncratic ways of specifying projections that are different from modern practise and which will result in imports that do not correctly specify projection information. In that case, we will have to use whatever documentation we can find on the data set to learn what the correct projection should be so we can specify it using Assign Initial Coordinate System.
Assign Initial Coordinate System
Example: Import an ESRI ADF File and Apply Style and Hillshading