SAIF (Spatial Archive and Interchange Format)
Nov 5,2025

GISBox is a one-stop 3D GIS data editing, conversion and publishing platform that supports editing in multiple GIS formats such as OSGB/GEOTIFF/RVT, converting to 3DTiles/Terrain and publishing.

Introduction

SAIF (Spatial Archive and Interchange Format) is an open geographic data standard developed under the leadership of the Canadian government. It uses an object-oriented multiple inheritance model to build a standardized framework containing more than 300 basic classes. It realizes one-to-many data conversion and interoperability across GIS platforms and database systems through the SAIF/ZIP compression mechanism, providing a unified intermediate exchange format for multi-source heterogeneous geographic spatial data. It is particularly suitable for cross-platform data sharing scenarios that require compatibility with multiple commercial software and databases.

File Structure

1. Object-oriented data model

Based on a multi-inheritance class hierarchy, this system implements modular definition and attribute extension of geographic features through a hierarchical relationship between abstract base classes (such as Feature and Geometry) and concrete subclasses (such as PointFeature and PolylineGeometry).

2. Standardized intermediate exchange format

Data is encapsulated using SAIF/ZIP containers, supporting lossless bidirectional conversion between heterogeneous GIS systems (e.g., ESRI Shapefile ↔ SAIF ↔ GeoJSON), addressing data interoperability.

3. Metadata-driven architecture

Data structures are defined using XML Schema files (XSD), and schema mapping and semantic conversion are implemented using the Feature Manipulation Engine (FME), ensuring cross-platform data consistency.

Pros

  1. Cross-platform compatibility: Supports bidirectional conversion with various GIS formats (such as Shapefile and GeoJSON), resolving data compatibility issues between different software.
  2. Secure long-term archiving: Adhering to international standards (ISO 19165-1), data traceability is ensured, preventing data loss due to software updates.
  3. Flexible scalability: Supports custom data models, suitable for accurately describing complex geographic features (such as bridges and pipelines).
  4. Compressed storage: SAIF/ZIP formats save space and are suitable for large-scale data archiving and transmission.

Cons

  1. High technical barriers: The object-oriented model and XML structure are complex, resulting in a high learning curve and requiring specialized programming knowledge.
  2. High tool dependency: Free conversion tools (such as FME-BC) have limited functionality, while commercial versions are expensive.
  3. Weak community support: With a small user base, problems can be difficult to resolve quickly, and some software lacks compatibility.
  4. Performance bottlenecks: Conversion speeds are slow when processing large data, and storage efficiency may be lower than with binary formats (such as FlatGeobuf).

Application Scenario

SAIF is suitable for scenarios that require standardized exchange and sharing of geospatial data across different GIS platforms or database systems.

Related GIS files

PDS Design Review

MicroStation

Inventor

IGES

References

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spatial_Archive_and_Interchange_Format
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780080424330500101
  3. https://www.solvusoft.com/en/file-extensions/file-extension-saif/