SOSI spatial data
File type: GIS, GPS navigation and map file
A .sosi file extension identifies a file in the SOSI (Systematic Organization of Spatial Information) format, a Norwegian geospatial data exchange format.
SOSI files contain geographic information, typically vector features with their attributes and spatial reference information.
File type category:
GIS, GPS navigation and map file
Date updated: October 11, 2026
SOSI (Systematic Organization of Spatial Information) is a Norwegian standard for organizing and exchanging spatial information. It is used predominantly in Norway for geographic and mapping data, including vector features and the associated descriptive information needed to interpret them.
The format belongs to the SOSI geodata standard and is used in workflows involving Norwegian public-sector and professional mapping data. A SOSI file is a data-exchange file rather than a project file for one particular GIS application.
SOSI support is available in some GIS software and data-conversion tools. The format remains relevant for exchanging Norwegian geospatial data, although users may also export the data to more widely supported GIS formats when required.
Open a .sosi file in GIS software that supports the SOSI format. QGIS may open it when the installation includes the required SOSI support through its available data providers or GDAL integration; QGIS runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
If the file does not open directly, use a GIS or geodata utility with SOSI import support and check that the file's coordinate reference system and related data files are available.
A SOSI file can be converted by importing it into GIS software or a geospatial conversion utility with SOSI support, then exporting the data to a format such as GeoPackage or Shapefile. The available output formats depend on the software and the specific SOSI data.
Conversion can change or omit SOSI-specific object types, attributes or Norwegian standard metadata. Review the exported layers and coordinate reference system after conversion.
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