SBN File Extension

What is SBN file?

Files with the extension .SBN contain spatial data stored in a binary format developed by the American Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) software. These files are used in the ESRI ArcGIS application for spatial mapping. The .SBN file stores a binary representation of the data contained in the corresponding .SHP file. It is used along with the indexing .SBX file to accelerate access to data during spatial queries in the system.

GIS Systems Data Storage Files

In .SBS files, a computer-readable representation of spatial data is stored. The representation that is easier for humans to understand is stored in .SHP files. It includes a collection of geographic objects:

• point,
• line,
• or area.

These are, for example, streets, so-called POIs, boundaries, or other objects. They are used in various Geographic Information System (GIS) systems.

Using .SBN Files in ESRI ArcGIS

The main files storing data for ESRI systems are .SHP, .SHX, and .DBF files. .SBN files are considered indexing files that enhance the operation in the system. Each of the files related to a specific data set has the same name but has a different extension - for example, roads.shp, roads.shx, and roads.dbf. Typically, the files are located in the same directory. In the Windows system, .SBN files may be hidden and not displayed by default through the system explorer.

Programs which support SBN file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support SBN files. Files with SBN suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 02/29/2024

How to open file with SBN extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening SBN files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to ESRI Spatial Binary Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with SBN files.

Step 1. Get the ArcView

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening SBN files is that no program that can handle SBN files is installed on user’s system. To address this issue, go to the ArcView developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit ArcView website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of ArcView and update if needed

If the problems with opening SBN files still occur even after installing ArcView, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of ArcView is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of ArcView installed, it may not support SBN format. The most recent version of ArcView is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open SBN files to ArcView

After installing ArcView (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open SBN files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the SBN file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where ArcView is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open SBN files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected SBN file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with SBN extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the SBN file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the SBN file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The SBN may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the SBN file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the SBN file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the SBN file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with SBN extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic SBN file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the SBN file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the ESRI Spatial Binary Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle ArcView

If the systems has insufficient resources to open SBN files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with ESRI Spatial Binary Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with SBN files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

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