# Smart Data Compression

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**Smart Data Compression** is a compressed [GIS](/source/GIS) dataset format developed by [Esri](/source/Environmental_Systems_Research_Institute). It stores all types of feature data and attribute information together as a core data structure. The SDC format was used in Esri products such as ArcGIS StreetMap, ArcIMS Route Server, RouteMAP IMS, ArcGIS Business Analyst, and the ArcMobile [SDK](/source/Software_development_kit).

The SDC file format is no longer supported by Esri software since ArcMap 10.2, although later versions of ArcMap can convert SDC data to a geodatabase.[1] ArcGIS Pro does not support the SDC format at all.[2]

Compression ratios range from 8x to 20x depending on the data source and structure. SDC data is optimized for rapid map display, accurate routing, and high-performance geocoding.

Smart Data Compression is a proprietary format. The [FAQ](/source/FAQ) for ESRI's RouteServer IMS notes that additional datasets for that application must be prepared by an ESRI subsidiary at additional cost.[3] The SDC technology was developed by Software Technologies, ESRI partner in Russia.[4] [Tele Atlas](/source/Tele_Atlas) and [NAVTEQ](/source/Navteq) provide North American commercial street datasets in SDC format. This data was prepared using the Data Development Kit Pro (DDK Pro), which ESRI licenses to select vendors.[5]

The term Smart Data and idea was coined and created by Dr. James A Rodgers professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and James A George, Circa [5]"Smart Data Enterprise Performance Optimization Strategy".

## Notes

1. ["How To: Convert SDC Feature Classes Using ArcToolbox"](https://support.esri.com/en-us/knowledge-base/how-to-convert-sdc-feature-classes-using-arctoolbox-000010322). *support.esri.com*. Retrieved 2024-05-28.

1. ["SDC (Smart Data Compression) Data in Pro"](https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-pro-questions/sdc-smart-data-compression-data-in-pro/td-p/375917). *Esri Community*. 2018-09-20. Retrieved 2024-05-28.

1. ["ArcIMS Route Server Frequently Asked Questions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080704210429/http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcims-routeserver/about/faqs.html). ESRI. Archived from [the original](http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcims-routeserver/about/faqs.html) on July 4, 2008. Retrieved 2009-03-14.

1. ["Data Analysis, Conversion and SDC Compression"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141105163613/http://www.softech.ru/data-analysis-conversion-and-sdc-compression.html). Software Technologies. Archived from [the original](http://www.softech.ru/data-analysis-conversion-and-sdc-compression.html) on 2014-11-05. Retrieved 2014-11-05.

1. ["ESRI User Conference News You Might Have Missed"](https://web.archive.org/web/20061018231727/http://www.directionsmag.com/printer.php?article_id=2246). Archived from [the original](http://www.directionsmag.com/printer.php?article_id=2246) on October 18, 2006. Retrieved 2009-03-14.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Smart Data Compression](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_Data_Compression) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_Data_Compression?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.