Mapping and Decoding .rbfx File Structure

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📅 2025-05-15 — Session: Mapping and Decoding .rbfx File Structure

🕒 02:30–03:30
🏷️ Labels: REDATAM, Rbfx, Data Mapping, Decoding, C++, Python
📂 Project: Dev
⭐ Priority: MEDIUM

Session Goal

The primary objective of this session was to map and decode the structure of .rbfx files using the REDATAM API, with a focus on understanding variable metadata and decoding binary data.

Key Activities

  • Mapping .rbf[x] Structure: Utilized the REDATAM API to access dictionary files and extract variable metadata necessary for decoding compressed binary data.
  • Analysis of .rbfx File Structure: Conducted a detailed analysis of file structures, hypothesizing on variable hierarchies and their relationships with variable dictionaries.
  • Decoding Binary Segments: Decoded a block of 5616 binary values, suggesting a concatenated segment structure within the .rbfx file.
  • Backtracking Strategy: Implemented a structured backtracking approach to explore bit encoding, ensuring all combinations of bit partitions were evaluated.
  • Bit-Aligned Structure Analysis: Identified main segments and residues in .rbfx files, suggesting steps for tabular data reconstruction.
  • Decoding 10-bit Integers: Outlined the process for decoding 10-bit integers from .rbfx files, with steps for extraction and optional CSV saving.
  • Categorical Variable Analysis: Analyzed histograms of decoded values, interpreting them as categorical variables and proposing further decoding steps.
  • Encoded Data Block Analysis: Explored hypotheses about encoded values’ structures, suggesting a bit-packed compound field hypothesis.
  • Redatam Development Reflection: Reflected on the development and application of Redatam for Argentina’s 2022 National Census.
  • Open Source Tools Discussion: Discussed open-source tools for Redatam database interaction, highlighting projects like Open Redatam.
  • API Interface Layer Analysis: Analyzed an open-source C++ interface layer for Redatam, discussing its functionality and limitations.

Achievements

  • Successfully mapped and decoded significant portions of .rbfx file structures.
  • Developed strategies for further decoding and data reconstruction.

Pending Tasks

  • Continue with the automatic decoding of additional binary blocks.
  • Test the bit-packed compound field hypothesis with further data.
  • Explore more open-source tools for enhanced Redatam interaction.

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