DATAFORM.TXT - 6th of 19 digital documentation files distributed
               with the "Forest Fire Chronology of Saskatchewan"
               (FFCS) dataset.


<Document overview>

     Describes the nomenclature and formats of the FFCS data and
     documentation files.


<File nomenclature>

     The FFCS dataset files are provided using the DOS 8.3
     (ISO 9660) file naming convention.  This allows both PC and
     workstation users to use the dataset using the exact same
     file names.


<Distribution format>

     The database is provided in Arc/INFO export file format
     (from version 7.0.3), as either DOS or UNIX text files.  The
     export files are generated using the "no compression of
     numbers and blanks" command line switch:

          Arc: export cover sk_f1990 sk_f1990 none

     There are numerous geographic data formats in use today.  In
     addition, new formats are being developed.  Almost all
     geographic data formats, both new and old, are constantly
     revised.  Although "standardized" spatial data transfer file
     formats are being developed, they too are subject to change.
     Because a standard format has not yet been adopted by the
     Government of Saskatchewan, distribution of data in a non-
     proprietary "universal" format is not presently an option.

     With the above in mind, the data author is focusing its
     efforts on database management rather than on distributing
     data in countless data formats.  Some exceptions may be made
     to provide data in formats other than Arc/INFO export files.


     Tracking intricate changes in file formats is best left to
     those who constantly translate data.  If your system cannot
     handle Arc/INFO export files, then contact a data conversion
     company that can translate the data into the format that you
     desire.  The home of the FFCS dataset is not a data
     conversion centre: Arc/INFO export files are THE
     distribution format.


<Single or double precision data>

     The coverages are all in single precision format; the data
     are not detailed enough to warrant use of double precision.


<Documentation file format>

     Given the potential use of the FFCS on multiple hardware
     platforms and within innumerable software packages, digital
     documentation files are provided in straight ASCII form.
     Page breaks or other formatting options have therefore not
     been used.


This document prepared by:

Ott Naelapea
Wildlife Branch
Saskatchewan Environment & Resource Management
Box 3003, 800 Central Avenue
Prince Albert, SK.  S6V 6G1
CANADA
(306)953-2671 - Tel.
(306)953-2750 - Fax.

November 28, 1996
