Can *.ssf files from Trimble GPS be imported as features to display in ArcMap?

So, You’ve Got Trimble GPS Data… Can ArcMap Read It? Let’s Decode Those *.ssf Files!

Alright, let’s get straight to the point. You’ve been out in the field with your Trimble GPS, collecting valuable data, and now you want to see it all nicely displayed in ArcMap. But you’re stuck with these *.ssf files and wondering, “Can ArcMap even read these things?” Well, the simple answer is no, not directly. Think of *.ssf as a secret language that only Trimble devices truly understand. It’s their native format for storing all that juicy GPS info i.

But don’t despair! There’s definitely a way to bridge the gap and get your data into ArcMap. It just takes a little translation.

Pathfinder Office: Your Go-To Translator

In most cases, Trimble Pathfinder Office is your best bet. Consider it the Rosetta Stone for *.ssf files. It’s specifically designed to wrangle that Trimble data, clean it up, and get it ready for prime time in the GIS world i. Here’s the typical drill:

Once you’ve got that shapefile, you can drag and drop it right into ArcMap and start visualizing your data!

Other Tricks Up Your Sleeve

Now, Pathfinder Office isn’t the only way to skin this cat. Here are a few other options to consider:

• TerraSync Direct: If you’re using TerraSync on a Trimble handheld, you’re in luck! You can often configure it to write directly to a shapefile right there in the field. Then, just copy that shapefile to your computer i.
• Trimble GPS Analyst Extension: This ArcGIS extension can sometimes do the trick, offering an alternative to Pathfinder Office.
• Online Converters? Proceed with Caution! You might stumble across online tools that claim to convert *.ssf files. My advice? Be very careful. I’d personally be wary of uploading sensitive GPS data to some random website.
• Field Name Fun: Quick heads-up: when you export to shapefile, keep your field names short and sweet – 10 characters or less. That’s just an old-school limitation of the shapefile format i.
• Coordinate System is Key: Before you start analyzing your data, double-check that your coordinate system settings are correct in both Pathfinder Office and ArcMap. A mismatch here can lead to some seriously skewed results. Make sure you’ve got the right *.prj file assigned i.

The Free Solution Conundrum

Okay, let’s be real: everyone loves a freebie. But when it comes to *.ssf files, a truly free and reliable solution is tough to find. You might find some DIY workarounds, but they often come with limitations or require some serious technical chops.

Heads Up for ArcMap Die-Hards (and ArcGIS Pro Converts!)

Here’s a bit of a curveball: as of late 2023, even Trimble Business Center (TBC) has dropped support for direct *.ssf and *.cor imports. And if you’re thinking of jumping to ArcGIS Pro, the Terra Office add-in won’t handle *.ssf files either i. The workaround? Stick to exporting shapefiles directly from your device or lean on Pathfinder Office.

The Bottom Line

So, while ArcMap can’t directly open *.ssf files, don’t let that stop you. By using Trimble Pathfinder Office (or, in some cases, TerraSync), you can easily convert your data into the shapefile format that ArcMap knows and loves. Just remember to double-check your coordinate systems and keep those field names short! With a little know-how, you’ll be visualizing your Trimble GPS data in ArcMap in no time.