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Documentation for the AGS Data Format Validator

The primary function of the AGS desktop validator is to validate AGS4 format data files against the rules set out in the AGS data format documentation and the data requirements set out in the AGS4 Data Dictionary.

The validation process does not check the quality of the data included in the AGS data file.

The validator uses the open source AGS Python library, which is managed by the AGS data format working group and is available on PyPi.

The desktop application has been extended to provide adddition tools such as:

  • file verification
  • data quality assessments and
  • data file conversion.

Further details about the functionality are contained in these help pages.

The AGS desktop validator was created, and is maintained by the AGS Data Format Working Group.

Questions and comments about the validator should recorded on the GitLab repositoryhere.

Changelog

V3.1 (2026-04-09)

Fix

  • Error in DQ check NH_GDMS_9

V3 (2026-03-31)

Features

  • Updated AGS Python library to v 1.2.0
  • Added support for AGS4.2 file format
  • New Data Quality functionality
    • Includes automated data quality check for National Highways supply chain.
  • New file converters:
    • AGS4 to GeoPackage*
    • AGS4 to SQLite
    • AGS to SpatiaLite*
    • AGS4 to CSV (zipped)
    • AGS4 to JSON (row-wise)
    • AGS4 to JSON (column-wise)
  • Added the ability to strip UNIT and TYPE headers from AGS4 to Spreadsheet
  • New ability to use a custom Dictionary definition (for use by non-UK users)

Docs

  • Docs moved to web pages

  • UK OSGB grids only (in this version)