SP3 files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: NGS SP3 File
The SP3 file stores GPS satellite orbital information. The format extends previous NGS formats. It includes satellite clock corrections computed with orbits. The format primarily uses position and clo...
The SP3 file stores GPS satellite orbital information. The format extends previous NGS formats. It includes satellite clock corrections computed with orbits. The format primarily uses position and clock data. It does not include velocities. The format was proposed in 1989 and adopted in 1991. SP3 files contain GPS week and seconds information. They also include accuracy exponents and comments. Files can open in Mathematica. The original SP3-a format later expanded to SP3-b and SP3-c. These include more information.
Software can interpret and visualize the data. Some commonly used programs are paid or free. Bernese GNSS Software supports SP3. It offers orbit analysis tools. GNSS Solutions from NovAtel also works. It provides orbit determination features too. To open a file, use compatible software. Then interpret and visualize the data.
Proprietary formats cannot convert sometimes. This protects developer intellectual property. It happens with some multimedia files. The SP3 format does not work on mobile operating systems.