.SSF File Extension

Trimble Standard Storage Format File

Developer	Trimble Navigation
Popularity	Average rating 4.1 / 5. Vote count: 71
Category	GIS Files
Format	.SSF
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an SSF file?

The .SSF file is used primarily for storing geospatial data in a standardized format. This file format is utilized by Trimble’s software for managing and exchanging data related to geographic information systems (GIS).

More Information.

Trimble introduced the .SSF format to provide a consistent and efficient way to store and exchange geospatial data across various Trimble products. Its initial purpose was to ensure that data collected in the field could be reliably transferred and used across different applications and devices within Trimble’s ecosystem.

Origin Of This File.

Trimble, a company known for its solutions in GPS and geospatial data management, developed the Standard Storage Format to facilitate the storage and transfer of geospatial data. The .SSF format is part of Trimble’s suite of data management tools.

File Structure Technical Specification.

File Structure: .SSF files typically contain geospatial data including coordinates, metadata, and other related information in a binary or structured format.
Technical Specification: The exact technical specifications of the .SSF file format are proprietary to Trimble. It is designed to be compact and efficient for storing large volumes of geospatial data.

How to Convert the File?

Windows

Trimble Software:
- Trimble Business Center: This is a primary tool for working with .SSF files. It often includes export functions to convert .SSF files to formats like .shp (Shapefile), .kml (Keyhole Markup Language), or other common geospatial formats.
- Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office: Another option from Trimble that supports data conversion.
Third-Party GIS Software:
- FME (Feature Manipulation Engine): This software supports a variety of formats and may offer tools to convert .SSF files.
- QGIS: Check if there are plugins or external tools within QGIS for handling .SSF files and converting them.

Linux

GIS Software:
- QGIS: This open-source GIS tool can sometimes handle .SSF files with the appropriate plugins. You might need to first import the .SSF file and then export it to a more widely supported format like .shp or .geojson.
Command-Line Tools:
- GDAL: GDAL is a powerful library for geospatial data conversion, though direct support for .SSF might be limited. You may need to find or develop a conversion utility that uses GDAL.

macOS

Trimble Software:
- Trimble Business Center: If available for macOS or through virtualization, you can use this tool to convert .SSF files.
Third-Party GIS Software:
- QGIS: Available for macOS and can be used to import and export various geospatial formats, potentially including .SSF with plugins or additional tools.

Android

Trimble Apps:
- Trimble Data Collection Apps: Some Trimble apps on Android might allow exporting or converting .SSF files to other formats. Check the app’s documentation for conversion options.
GIS Apps:
- GIS Apps with Conversion Features: Look for GIS applications that might support .SSF and offer conversion capabilities. Options might be limited compared to desktop software.

iOS

Trimble Apps:
- Trimble Mobile Apps: Some iOS apps from Trimble might include features for converting .SSF files to other formats.
GIS Apps:
- GIS Applications with Conversion: Similar to Android, look for GIS apps that offer file conversion features. Availability and functionality may vary.

Others

Online Conversion Services:
- Check for online converters: Some online services might support .SSF file conversion, though this is less common for specialized geospatial formats.
Professional Services:
- Consult with geospatial data professionals: If you have specific needs for .SSF file conversion, professional services or consultants might be able to provide custom solutions or tools.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:
- Standardization: Provides a standardized way to store and transfer geospatial data within Trimble’s ecosystem.
- Compatibility: Ensures compatibility with Trimble’s software and devices.
- Efficiency: Designed to efficiently handle large datasets.
Disadvantages:
- Proprietary Format: The proprietary nature of the format can limit interoperability with non-Trimble software.
- Limited Documentation: Detailed technical documentation might be limited to Trimble’s user base.

How to Open SSF?

Open In Windows

Trimble Software: .SSF files are best opened using Trimble software like Trimble Business Center or other Trimble GIS tools.
Third-Party GIS Software: Some GIS applications may offer limited support for .SSF files through plugins or specific tools.

Open In Linux

GIS Software: Opening .SSF files on Linux may require specialized GIS software that supports this format. Open-source GIS tools like QGIS may offer some support through plugins or conversion tools.

Open In MAC

Trimble Software: As with Windows, Trimble’s software would be the primary option. However, compatibility may vary, and users might need to use virtualization or compatibility layers.
Third-Party GIS Software: GIS software like QGIS available for macOS may provide limited support or conversion options.

Open In Android

Trimble Apps: There may be Trimble applications available for Android that can open .SSF files.
GIS Apps: Some GIS apps might offer limited functionality for opening or viewing .SSF files.

Open In IOS

Trimble Apps: Trimble may offer iOS apps capable of handling .SSF files.
GIS Apps: Similar to Android, GIS applications on iOS may provide limited support for .SSF files.

Open in Others

Specialized GIS Software: Certain specialized GIS or geospatial software may support .SSF files if they are designed to work with Trimble data formats.