File with a .SBN extension contains information on shape, stored in a binary format, along with the SBX file it corresponds to an actual SHP file, thus creating an index of a given shape, enabling its faster processing. Data within SBN files are stored in parts relating to many small rectangles of the shape along with its properties – the division enables faster operations on all input questions.

SBN files are used to optimize work of the ESRI ArcGIS software and are specific to it. The software is used for 3D modelling. All shape data is stored in SHP files, thus the SBN files are not necessary, they speed up the work flow.