What is a .SDL file?
The .SDL file extension stands for Scene Description Language File. This type of file is commonly used in programs that perform ray tracing, which is a technique for rendering images by simulating the way light interacts with objects. It is also used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping software, such as Autodesk MapGuide, to define how a scene should be visually represented. An .SDL file contains detailed instructions that tell the computer how to display a scene. This includes information about the models (like buildings or terrain), lighting (how light sources affect the scene), and animations (movements within the scene). The content of an SDL file can vary depending on how the Scene Description Language is implemented by different software. However, these files are generally formatted in ASCII text or XML, making them readable and editable with simple text editing software.
Although the specific program Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server that used to open these files has been discontinued, you can still open .SDL files with other software. Safe Software's FME Desktop, equipped with a MapGuide SDL Reader/Writer, is capable of handling these files. Additionally, since SDL files are often in a text-based format, any basic text editor like Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on macOS can be used to view and modify the contents of these files.
In summary, .SDL files are versatile and used to store detailed descriptions for rendering maps, both 2D and 3D scenes, and other types of visual scenes in specific software applications. They can be opened and edited with specialized software or any general text editor.
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .SDL file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.