An RSF “file” typically consists of 2 parts: the binary file, where data values are stored, and the header file (text), where data attributes are put (see RSF file format page for more details). To prepare such file for distribution, it is recommended to 1) make the binary part architecture independent so that data can be downloaded on heterogeneous computer systems, and 2) pack the binary and header parts. Such result is achieved by using the sfdd program to convert the binary part to XDR format and, at the same time, to pack the two parts. See the example below.