Convert HTD to RLE

Understanding HTD and RLE file formats

HTD files are typically associated with HydroCAD, a software used for hydrologic modeling. These files store project data, including watershed and stormwater management information. On the other hand, RLE stands for Run-Length Encoded files, a simple form of lossless data compression often used for bitmap images. RLE files are commonly used to store graphics with large areas of uniform color efficiently.

Why convert HTD to RLE?

Converting an HTD file to RLE format is not a standard operation, as these formats serve very different purposes. However, if you need to visualize hydrologic data as an image or for use in a graphics application, you might export diagrams or maps from HydroCAD and then convert them to RLE for efficient storage or compatibility with legacy systems.

How to convert HTD to RLE

Direct conversion from HTD to RLE is not natively supported by most software. The typical workflow involves two steps:

1. Open your HTD file in HydroCAD.
2. Export the desired diagram or map as a standard image format such as BMP or PNG using File → Export → Image.
3. Use an image editor or converter to save the exported image as an RLE file. For example, you can use IrfanView or XnConvert:
• Open the exported image in IrfanView.
• Go to File → Save As and select RLE (Run-Length Encoded Bitmap) as the output format.

Recommended software for HTD to RLE conversion

• HydroCAD – for opening and exporting HTD files to image formats.
• IrfanView – for converting standard image files to RLE format.
• XnConvert – for batch image conversion, including to RLE.

Summary

While there is no direct HTD to RLE converter, you can export images from HydroCAD and then use an image converter like IrfanView to save them as RLE files. This two-step process ensures your hydrologic data can be visualized and stored efficiently in the RLE format.