FAQ
B to CAL Conversion
What are B files?
.b is a specialized binary grid format developed by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to distribute coordinate transformation grids for GEOCON and NADCON 5.0 workflows. Designed originally by Dennis Milbert to standardize geoid and datum shift manipulations, a file of this type contains spatial coordinate corrections (latitude, longitude, or ellipsoidal height offsets) stored as continuous gridded records. The format features a unique structural characteristic rooted in its legacy FORTRAN generation: every data record is wrapped within leading and trailing 4-byte buffer artifacts that specify record length. A single .b file typically stores only one components of a three-dimensional transformation—such as latitude shifts—requiring complementary companion files with identical structures to fully execute a high-precision datum conversion across regions of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).
What are CAL files?
A CAL image file represents a monochrome bitmap image that uses the CALS raster image standard for storing graphics data. This standard was created in the 1980s by the US Department of Defence as a compressed interchangeable image format. CAL and CALS are extensions used for similar purposes.
Can reaConverter convert B to CAL?
Yes! reaConverter instantly converts .b to .cal with perfect quality preservation. With its batch processing feature, you can convert multiple files at once in just a few clicks. You can even convert images directly from Windows Explorer using the right-click menu — fast and convenient.
What is reaConverter used for?
reaConverter is a Windows converter for 800+ formats, GIS data among them. For B to CAL it replaces the usual detour through QGIS, ArcGIS or ogr2ogr: add the files, pick the output format, and the whole batch converts offline. Surveyors, planners and engineering teams use it to pass data between GIS, CAD and everyday document formats.
Why choose offline conversion with reaConverter?
reaConverter is a software program that is used for offline files conversion. Your proprietary documents never leave your computer – essential for architects, engineers, healthcare and government contractors handling classified projects. Meets GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and corporate security policies by ensuring files never cross borders or third-party systems.
Can I convert B to CAL online?
If you only need to convert a few B files to CAL format, feel free to try our free online free online B to CAL converter — perfect for small batches with no installation needed!
How can I turn B files into CAL on my computer?
The best way to change Bs to CALs on your PC is to install a quality piece of software, such as reaConverter. This software is extremely efficient in managing a wide range of batch files conversions, including conversion from B to CAL.
How can I automate B to CAL files conversion?
reaConverter supports all the most useful automation features such as right-click сonversion and Watch Folders for the most efficient automated files conversion in any software of this type.
Is there a way to convert B files to CAL using the command prompt?
reaConverter provides full access to all its features via Windows command line, including a high-performance command-line b to cal converter for batch processing.
What else can I do with reaConverter?
Convert GIS filesConvert microscopy filesImage resizerConvert PDFAdd text on photos
Related conversions
Other ways to convert B files, and other sources that convert to CAL.
