Embodiments include an apparatus for replicating a file system (FS) that stores a file in a first location in a first data storage device, the apparatus comprising a query circuit configured to generate a spatial query that identifies a primary directory tree in the FS, and to receive a response to the query from the FS, where the response identifies a range of the primary directory tree in which a changed file may be found; a scan filter circuit configured to generate a scan filter based on the response, where the scan filter defines a portion of the primary directory tree that is smaller than the primary directory tree to search for a changed file; and a replication circuit configured to scan the portion of the primary directory tree, and upon detecting a changed file, replicate the changed file from the first location to a different location.