Opening an OBS File

The OBS file type is primarily associated with Trimble TerraSync.

OBS	File extension: OBS
	File type:	observation data file

What is an OBS file

OBS files mostly belong to Trimble TerraSync. OBS files can represent different kinds of observation-based data.
They are used in distinct fields, especially for storing GPS and GNSS observations as well as other measured data.
Examples include:

GPS/GNSS data: These files often contain TerraSync or RTK observation data. For instance, Trimble TerraSync makes files for recording satellite positions and RTKLIB is used for GNSS observations.

Air quality measurements: Some OBS files hold observation data from air quality systems, like those managed by AirNow.

Generic data files: Certain OBS files are created by software like Opus Suite from Bruker and serve in more general data collection or analysis.

InstallShield scripts: A few OBS files are used for scripting installation objects. Revenera provides tools in this area.

Game-related files: There are OBS files that save game data, such as from Out of the Park Baseball and sound settings from OpenTTD (OOTB and OpenTTD).

To open an OBS file, determine its source. If it is GPS or GNSS observation data, use tools like TerraSync or RTKLIB.
If it is an InstallShield script or game data file, use the software or editor related to that content.
FilExt.com tip: You may also try opening the file in a text editor first to check if there is readable information, but note that many OBS files store binary data that require specific applications.

How to open OBS files

You need a suitable software like Trimble TerraSync to open an OBS file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your OBS file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a OBS file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online OBS Text Viewer

Choose your .obs file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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OBS file format:

Each file has a definite file format, that is, how the stored data is arranged in the file. The initial characters of a file are called signature, sometimes also referred to as "magic bytes". The signature can be used to infer the file format. However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. Knowledge is power - this also applies when dealing with unknown or faulty files. Our analysis of the OBS files produces the following result:

The OBS file extension is used very often and is used by a few programs, each with its own file format. The two most popular formats are as follows:

• 25% of all OBS files use the same file format, which have the signature FF 00 AA 00. The contents of these files cannot be read by a human; only a computer program can interpret the data. The average file size is 2 MB with most files being between 160 KB and 15 MB in size. The file type was developed only in the last few years. The following keywords are characteristic: DEVICEID and Created by TerraSync Version 5.86.
• 20% of all OBS files start with the bytes crucial for this file format. If you open these files in a text editor, you can view and read the content yourself. OBS files can be up to 110 MB in size, but are often around 230 KB - 32 MB. The following keywords are characteristic: DATE, RUN BY, 3.03   OBSERVATION DATA   M: Mixed   RINEX VERSION / TYPE, RTKCONV 2.4.3 and log: I:/xxx/xxx/xxxx/xxx. Examples of file names are 100_0001_Rinex.obs or 100_0002_Rinex.obs. These files are often associated with rinex and base.

The remaining 55% of all OBS files are files with no common format, such as BEGIN, SECACtrlItem and sbo. These files sometimes refer to pmfine, today, archive, data, yesterday, opensfx or trade. If you want to find out which format your OBS file belongs to, just click on the button "Choose your .obs file to analyze".