Extract text from station data files (STN)
To convert STN data files to another format, you need CRU Data Tools or other Data software.
To convert other file formats to the "Scientific Data File" file type, you need software like CRU Data Tools or a similar tool.
The .STN file extension represents a highly fragmented group of file formats. Its primary application is as a Climate Research Station Data file utilized by the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) to archive meteorological observations. Secondary uses include STiNG 3D graphic images, rough diamond planning files (also called Stone files) generated by Sarin Technologies, and session files for the ComponentAce Absolute Database.
Handling .STN files is notoriously frustrating because the extension does not correspond to a single, standardized data structure. The climate data variant is typically a highly specific scientific format requiring specialized tools like CDO (Climate Data Operators). The Sarin stone files and STiNG graphics are strictly proprietary, closed-ecosystem files. You cannot open these files natively in standard operating systems, web browsers, or common office software. They lock your data inside niche, often expensive, or obsolete software environments.
Converting these files is essential for general data accessibility. Climate data should ideally be converted to CSV or JSON for analysis in Microsoft Excel or Python. Graphic and 3D variants should be exported to JPG, PNG, or OBJ. However, standard online converters consistently fail to process .STN files because they lack the proprietary decoders for these niche formats.
Because most .STN formats are closed and undocumented, only the original software can usually interpret or export the underlying data flawlessly. Standard converters will simply throw an error. Our system can inspect the binary or text payload to show internal content. If our analysis detects a supported underlying or embedded format, viewing or data extraction may still be possible.
Convert.Guru analyzes your STN file, detects the exact format, and lets you read the text inside.
Users also converted ECW, PRJ and LPK files.
If you want to convert STN file to SVG, AI, EPS, PDF, JPG, CDR, WMF, EMF, SWF, FLA, XFL or SKETCH, you can use CRU Data Tools or similar software from the "Climate Station Data Storage" category. In the File menu, look for Save As… or Export….
To convert AFPUB, EPS, FIG, VSD, SKETCH, VDX, AFPHOTO, PDF, AFDESIGN, SVG, VSDX or AI files to STN, try CRU Data Tools or another comparable tool in the "Climate Station Data Storage" category.
The history of Convert.Guru began over 25 years ago in California with Tom Simondi’s file-format database. A former contributor to Space Shuttle development and a software pioneer of the 1980s, Simondi established a trusted resource for file type analysis that was even referenced by Microsoft Windows XP. Today, we use modern technology to process and convert thousands of file formats while continually improving our STN converter.