The purpose of NITFS is to transmit a file composed of an image accompanied by subimages, symbols, labels, text, and other information that relate to the image. One of the main features of the NITFS is that it allows several items of each data type to be included in one file, yet any data types may be omitted. The NITF file incorporates the CGM standard for graphics and accommodates user-selectable compression for images. The file is submitted to the Message Transfer Facility (MXF), which allows it to be transferred using any of a set of user-selectable protocols and media. The output is a message which, by conforming to the standards and their use, is compliant with the NITFS.