Can extended ASCII characters be used in AGS data? What is the difference between ANSI and UTF-8 encoding, and does it matter? Why is my imported AGS data infected with gobbledygook? Answers to these questions, and more, will be found in this, my geekiest blog post to date. Grab a coffee, and read on…

The AGS data transfer format is a well-established and well-used method of sharing or transferring geotechnical and geoenvironmental data. In this article I will explain what it is, where it comes from, what it is used for and how it works. This is primarily intended for newcomers to the AGS format, but experienced users of AGS data may also benefit, especially in relation to the training courses I mention towards the end.

Ever had an AGS file that refuses to import, or can’t get through an AGS checker/validator, but it looks absolutely fine when you view it in a text editor? Alternatively, you have been told, perhaps by some software, that your AGS file contains something called a byte order mark. If either of these apply, then read this blog. It may save you a lot of time and stress!