You're here because you have a file that has a file extension ending in .sdts. Files with the file extension .sdts can only be launched by certain applications. It's possible that .sdts files are data files rather than documents or media, which means they're not meant to be viewed at all.

A USGS data file is classified as a GIS (Graphical Information System) file containing georeferencing details and spatial content that helps facilitate cross compatibility support for transferring GIS data between computer systems, and this is implemented to minimize possible data corruption or loss. The data stored in a USGS data file is integrated with encoding specifications proprietary to US Geological Survey, so that the content of these USGS data files can be stored in the SDTS file format. Affixed with the .sdts extension, the content of a USGS data file may also include quality report details and a data dictionary among various metadata attributes required for the seamless transmission of data, including vector graphics and raster images, to and from computer systems. Many GIS programs use these SDTS files.

Launch a .sdts file, or any other file on your PC, by double-clicking it. If your file associations are set up correctly, the application that's meant to open your .sdts file will open it. It's possible you may need to download or purchase the correct application. It's also possible that you have the correct application on your PC, but .sdts files aren't yet associated with it. In this case, when you try to open a .sdts file, you can tell Windows which application is the correct one for that file. From then on, opening a  .sdts file will open the correct application. Click here to fix .sdts file association errors

Be careful not to rename the extension on .sdts files, or any other files. This will not change the file type. Only special conversion software can change a file from one file type to another.

A file extension is the set of three or four characters at the end of a filename; in this case, .sdts. File extensions tell you what type of file it is, and tell Windows what programs can open it. Windows often associates a default program to each file extension, so that when you double-click the file, the program launches automatically. When that program is no longer on your PC, you can sometimes get an error when you try to open the associated file.