Spatial Data Backup Name Generator
Generates consistent backup filenames from project, date, task and version naming conventions.
Name parts
The date and time are the ones you pick — written as YYYYMMDD and, with a time, THHMM (no colons).
Lists consecutive versions starting from the version above.
Name
Enter a project or site name.
This only names a file — it doesn't create or check a backup, or know whether the name is already used. Keep dated, unchanged copies and test that a backup actually restores.
How the method works
Fixed example values for illustration — not your result.
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the project or site, date (and optional time), task, CRS tag, initials, version and extension.
- Choose the separator, letter case, part order and whether accented or non-Latin letters are kept.
- Copy the full name or the name without extension, or list several consecutive versions to download.
How it works
Parts are joined in the order you set with one separator. The date is written YYYYMMDD (with THHMM if you add a time) so files sort by date, and versions are padded to at least two digits — v01, v10, v123.
Anything that would break a filename is repaired and listed: reserved characters (< > : " / \ | ? *), "..", leading or trailing dots and spaces, and Windows device names such as CON, which get an underscore.
Length is checked in UTF-8 bytes (240 by default). A name over the limit is refused rather than silently cut, so the project and version are never lost.
Worked example
Mine Site A, 2026-06-22, GNSS, v1. Produces Mine_Site_A_20260622_GNSS_v01. A project typed as ../CON becomes CON_ and the change is reported.
Common mistakes
- Using v1, v2 … v10 — v10 then sorts before v2.
- Writing dates as DD-MM-YYYY, which does not sort.
- Assuming a good name means a good backup — test that it restores.
Frequently asked questions
Why pad the version and use YYYYMMDD?
v01 sorts before v10 (v1 doesn't), and YYYYMMDD dates sort in true date order by filename — both keep a long list of backups tidy.
Does it check whether the file already exists?
No — it builds a name only. It does not create, copy or look for files.
Is this official course material?
No. It is free study support mapped to surveying course levels — not official North Metropolitan TAFE content or advice. Always follow your lecturer and the official assessment brief, and check your own working.
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Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Spatial Data Backup Name Generator. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/spatial-data-backup-name-generator/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
Designed to run locally in your browser. Tool inputs are not intentionally stored by Zerdly unless stated otherwise.