.GDB File Extension

GDB files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: GPS Database File

A GDB file contains waypoints, routes, and tracks for Garmin navigation devices. It is created by MapSource, a GPS route editing and trip planning application. To create a GDB file in MapSource, selec...

General Information

Title GDB File Extension
Extension .gdb
Full Form Garmin GPS Database File
File Type GPS Data File
Developer Garmin
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store waypoints
Additional Functions Route data, Track logs
Features Geolocation, Navigation data

File Characteristics

Quality High precision
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Personal Navigation Yes
Geocaching Yes
Adventure Planning Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Regular updates, Backup

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Unknown
Latest Version Depends on software

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .gpx, .loc, .mps

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Garmin BaseCamp Free Windows, Mac
Garmin MapSource Discontinued Windows
GPSBabel Free Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 2: InterBase Database File

The GDB file extension is for InterBase database files. InterBase versions before 7.0 used it as default. Databases from InterBase 6.5 and earlier have a 2GB size limit. InterBase 7.0 and later use .I...

General Information

Title GDB File Extension
Extension .gdb
Full Form InterBase Database File
File Type Database File
Developer Borland, Embarcadero Technologies
MIME Type application/x-gdb

File Function

Primary Function Store data
Additional Functions Data manipulation, Transaction handling
Features ACID compliance, Multi-generation architecture

File Characteristics

Quality High performance
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes, with software

Use Cases

Data Storage Yes
Transaction Processing Yes
Embedded Applications Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Unauthorized access
Best Practices Regular backups, Use encryption

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1984
Latest Version InterBase 2020 Update 1 (14.1.0.220)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .ib, .fdb, .idb

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
InterBase Commercial, Trial available Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris, Android, iOS
IBExpert Commercial, Free Personal Edition Windows
DBeaver Free, Enterprise Edition Windows, Mac, Linux