TIMESTAMP File – What is .timestamp file and how to open it?
TIMESTAMP File Extension
Geodatabase Timestamp File – file format by ESRI
TIMESTAMP (Geodatabase Timestamp File) is a file extension used by ESRI’s geodatabase system to store the creation and modification timestamps of geodatabase objects. It helps track changes and maintain data integrity.
Technical Definition of a TIMESTAMP File
A TIMESTAMP file is a binary file that stores timestamps for geodatabase objects, such as feature classes, tables, and rasters. When an object is edited or updated, the timestamp is updated to reflect the date and time of the change. TIMESTAMP files are used by Esri ArcGIS software to maintain versioning and track changes made to a geodatabase.
Usage and Benefits of TIMESTAMP Files
TIMESTAMP files play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of geodatabases. They enable the tracking of changes made to objects over time, allowing users to revert to previous versions if necessary. This is especially useful in collaborative environments where multiple users may be making concurrent edits to the geodatabase. Additionally, TIMESTAMP files are used to determine which objects have been modified since a specific point in time, facilitating incremental data extraction and analysis.
TIMESTAMP File Format
A TIMESTAMP file is a binary geodatabase timestamp file created by ESRI software. It stores a unique identifier for a specified geodatabase and is essential for tracking changes made to the geodatabase. TIMESTAMP files are used to maintain data integrity and ensure that only authorized users can make changes to the geodatabase. They also facilitate data recovery in the event of geodatabase damage or corruption.
Opening TIMESTAMP Files
TIMESTAMP files cannot be directly opened or viewed using standard text editors or applications. They are only accessible through ESRI software, specifically ArcGIS, which is the primary platform for working with geospatial data. ArcGIS uses TIMESTAMP files to validate geodatabase integrity and prevent data corruption. When you open a geodatabase in ArcGIS, the software automatically checks the associated TIMESTAMP file to ensure that the geodatabase has not been modified externally. If the TIMESTAMP file does not match the current state of the geodatabase, ArcGIS may prompt you to update the file or perform a data recovery operation.
Geodatabase Timestamp File (.TIMESTAMP) Overview
The TIMESTAMP file extension belongs to a Geodatabase Timestamp File, created and utilized by ESRI’s ArcGIS software. Its primary function is to manage temporal data, such as tracking changes and updates made to a geodatabase over time. The file contains timestamps that indicate when specific actions, such as data modifications, were performed.
Compatibility and Usage
The TIMESTAMP file is an integral part of ArcGIS’s geodatabase management system. It works in conjunction with other geodatabase files to ensure data integrity and maintain a record of changes. The file is typically stored within the geodatabase folder and is automatically generated by ArcGIS when changes are made.
Geodatabase Timestamp Files are crucial for versioning, a feature in ArcGIS that allows multiple users to simultaneously edit a geodatabase without conflicting with each other. By tracking timestamps, the software can differentiate between changes made by different users at different times, enabling the restoration of previous versions and the resolution of conflicts. Additionally, the TIMESTAMP file facilitates data recovery and rollback operations if necessary.