Open WORLD File
A WORLD file, or .world extension file, plays a crucial role in various areas such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Robotics Simulations Software. These files are generally used to store spatial calibration information or robotics environments definitions, thus being an integral part of being able to work effectively in these domains.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) WORLD Files
WORLD files in the context of GIS are text files used to georeference raster map images. The file holds georeferencing information that ensures the raster image matches with map coordinates on the GIS program. The most common GIS applications to open WORLD files are QGIS and Esri's ArcGIS Pro.
Robotics Simulation Software WORLD Files
In robotics, WORLD files are used as environment definition files for robotics simulation software. These files are typically written in XML and define the properties, shapes, and locations of objects in the simulated world. A prime example of a software utilizing these files is the Robot Operating System (ROS) and its simulation environments such as Gazebo.
How to Open and Use WORLD Files
The opening and usage of .world files tend to be specific to the context in which these files are used. For GIS applications, upon loading the related raster image, the .world file will be automatically loaded if it's located in the same directory as the raster image. In the context of robotics, the .world file is typically loaded when launching the simulation environment in the simulation software (like Gazebo). A .world file can be opened with any standard text editor (like Notepad, Vim, or Emacs) or using XML editors for better view of the structure.
WORLD File Important Information
While working with WORLD files, it's necessary to remember that they follow this general rule: the world file name is the image file name (without extension) with the letters 'w' appended. Additionally, WORLD files are not stand-alone. They are designed to be utilized together with a related raster image or robotics simulation software.
Despite these points, WORLD files play a crucial role in different sectors and significantly ease tasks related to map image georeferencing and robotic simulation. Always ensure your WORLD files are accurately formatted and properly located to guarantee smooth processes in GIS or robotics operations.