Understanding .osm.pbf and .osm.bz2 Files: Which Format is Best for You?

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Learn about the differences between .osm.pbf and .osm.bz2 file formats, which one is best for OSM data, and how to convert between them. Optimize your

Understanding .osm.pbf and .osm.bz2 Files: Which Format is Best for You? If you're working with OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, you've likely come across file formats such as .osm.pbf and .osm.bz2. Both of these formats contain the same data, but are encoded differently. Here's a breakdown of each format, how they differ, and why one may be better suited for your needs.

What is a .osm.pbf File?

The .osm.pbf format is a compressed version of OSM data that uses Google's Protocol Buffers. This format is popular for several reasons:

Smaller Size: On average, a .osm.pbf file is about 40% smaller than the equivalent .osm.bz2 file. This reduction in size means faster download times.
Faster Processing: Unlike .osm.bz2 files, which must be decompressed into large XML files before being processed, .osm.pbf files can be used directly, saving both time and resources.

What is a .osm.bz2 File?

The .osm.bz2 format is an older compressed file format used for distributing OSM data. Though it contains the same information as .osm.pbf, it's becoming less common because of its inefficiency:

Slower Downloads: Since .osm.bz2 files are significantly larger, they take more time to download.
Resource-Intensive: Processing .osm.bz2 files is slower because they must first be decompressed, resulting in large XML files that can strain system resources.

Who Still Needs .osm.bz2 Files?

At this point, almost all OSM data tools can read .osm.pbf files directly. This means that few users still rely on .osm.bz2 files. However, if you have an older system or specific requirements that mandate .osm.bz2, there are ways to convert .osm.pbf files into .osm.bz2 files using open-source tools like osmosis or osmium.

Geofabrik's Support for .osm.bz2 Files

Currently, Geofabrik offers both .osm.pbf and .osm.bz2 files for download. However, support for .osm.bz2 files is being phased out due to their CPU-intensive nature. Here's what you need to know:

Update Frequency: .osm.pbf files are updated daily, while .osm.bz2 files are only updated every three to five days.
Future Plans: By the end of 2024, Geofabrik will completely discontinue updates for .osm.bz2 files. So, if you're still relying on this format, it's time to start planning a switch to .osm.pbf.

How to Convert .osm.pbf to .osm.bz2

If you absolutely need .osm.bz2 files, you can easily convert .osm.pbf files using tools like osmosis or osmium. Here's a quick guide:

With osmosis:

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osmosis --read-pbf myfile.osm.pbf --write-xml myfile.osm.bz2

or
osmosis --read-pbf myFile.osm.pbf --write-xml myFile.osm
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With osmium:

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osmium cat myfile.osm.pbf -o myfile.osm.bz2

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Using these tools ensures you can access faster and more up-to-date downloads without waiting for .osm.bz2 files to be updated.

Which Format is Best for You?

Which Format is Best? In summary, .osm.pbf is the more efficient, faster, and modern format for handling OSM data. While .osm.bz2 files are still available, they are being phased out. For most users, switching to .osm.pbf will streamline your workflow and save time. If you need .osm.bz2, converting from .osm.pbf is easy using free tools. Get ready for 2024 by making the transition sooner rather than later!