OBF File – What is .obf file and how to open it?

OBF – OsmAnd Offline Map File

An OBF file is an offline map file used by OsmAnd, a popular open-source mobile mapping application. It contains map data, such as roads, landmarks, and places of interest, for a specific geographical area. OBF files are typically used to store map data for offline use, allowing users to access maps without an active internet connection.

OBF files are created by downloading map data from the OsmAnd server and converting it into the OBF format using the OsmAnd software. The conversion process optimizes the map data for offline use, reducing its size and making it faster to load. OBF files can be stored on a device’s internal storage or on an external SD card. When OsmAnd is used offline, it will automatically load the relevant OBF file for the user’s current location, providing access to detailed maps even without an internet connection. The maps stored in OBF files can be updated by downloading newer versions from the OsmAnd server, ensuring that users have access to the most up-to-date map data.

Method 1: Using OsmAnd App

OsmAnd Offline Map files are primarily used with the OsmAnd app, a popular mobile navigation app for Android and iOS devices. To open an OBF file in OsmAnd:

1. Download and install the OsmAnd app from the respective app store.
2. Launch the app and go to the “My Maps” section.
3. Tap on the “+” icon to add a new map.
4. Select the option to “Import from File” and browse to the OBF file on your device.
5. The map will be imported and available for use within the app.

Method 2: Converting to a Supported Format

Alternatively, you can convert the OBF file to a more widely supported map format, such as KMZ or GPX, using third-party software like QGIS or GPSMapEdit. Once converted, you can open the file in various navigation apps or GIS software that support those formats.

To convert an OBF file to GPX:

1. Open QGIS or GPSMapEdit and import the OBF file.
2. Go to the “Layer” menu and select “Export” > “Save Feature As” (QGIS) or “Export” > “GPX” (GPSMapEdit).
3. Choose the GPX format and specify the output filename.
4. The OBF file will be exported as a GPX file, which can be opened in many navigation apps.

OBF File Format

OBF files, or OsmAnd Offline Map Files, are proprietary map data files used by the OsmAnd app, an offline navigation and mapping tool for Android and iOS devices. These files contain compressed map data, including roads, buildings, landmarks, and other geographical features, that can be stored on the device and accessed offline. OBF files are typically much smaller than their uncompressed counterparts, allowing for efficient storage and fast loading times. They are optimized for offline use, ensuring that navigation and map access can be performed without an internet connection.

OBF File Structure

OBF files consist of a combination of XML, binary, and compressed data. The XML section contains metadata such as the map’s version, coverage area, and other information. The binary section stores the actual map data, encoded using a proprietary format. The compressed data is the map data that has been compressed using algorithms such as LZMA or ZSTD, significantly reducing file size while preserving data integrity. OBF files are designed to be compact and efficient, enabling users to download and store multiple maps on their devices without consuming excessive storage space.

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