1. Structure of UDCF Files

An UDCF file consists of different (groups of) elements and keywords, which clearly describe a dive profile and the affiliated recording dive computer or the program used to generate it. With it a necessary sequence is required. Some elements or keywords, respectively, are optional and are dropped depending on the dive computer or simulation program used. The intention with the development of UDCF was to provide a simple, easy-to-use and powerful format for the interchangeability of dive data. For the sake of simplification of the programming of parser UDCF was developed in such a manner, that current XML parser can be used.

In the following the elements and keywords are described.

The general setting up of an UDCF file is as follows:

1. file header
2. details about the used system of units (SI, metric or imperial, respectively)
3. data about the recording dive computer or the generating program (vendor, model, serial number), respectively
4. additional information (optional)
5. the dive profile describing general data, such as place (optional), date, time, surface interval, minimum water temperature (optional), densitiy of water, height above sealevel of entrance, and instructions about the breathing gases used. In case of an air consumption calculation (optional) some more instructions must be given, such as tankvolume and fill pressure at beginning and end of dive.
6. specific data necessary for the dive computer or simulation program, but which are not necessary to show the profile or calculate tissue saturation (optional)
7. time and depth statements or just depth statements when using a constant recording interval (which can change during the dive), and (optionally) warnings given by the recording dive computer
8. end of file

UDCF supports the storing of several dive profiles inside one file. The points 5., 6., and 7. then repeat. An UDCF file cannot contain profiles of different dive computers or simulation programs, respectively.