Something GISSY – Geospatial vector file extensions

We all LOVE GIS data. “Everything happens somewhere”. But what happens when you get some really cool “data” for your project, eg. Roads.gpx? What is a .gpx file? The following is a quick 101 summary of some common vector file formats.

Shapefile (ESRI)

A shapefile actually consists of several files.

Mandatory

  • .shp file containing the feature geometries
  • .dbf file containing the attributes in dBase format
  • .shx index file.

Optional

  • .prj which contains the projection information
  • .xml is the associated metadata.
  • .sbn is the spatial index for optimizing queries.
  • .sbx optimises loading times.

If you ever receive a .shp only you will need to request that all three  files are sent in order to use the data. Recommended that the .prj is also mandatory.

.tab file (MapInfo)

MapInfo .tab files are a proprietary format for MapInfo software. Similar to shapefiles, they require a set of files to represent geographic information and attributes.

  • .dat files contain the tabular data associated as a dBase .dbf file
  • .id files are index files that link graphical objects to database information
  • .map files are the map objects that store geographic information
  • .ind files are index files for the tabular data.

Back to our “Roads.gpx”… which is a .gps Exchange format.

See https://gisgeography.com/gis-formats/  other common vector types.

If all else fails, a Google search can usually uncover some less common formats.

Popular Posts
A word from the Boss
Using software to safely plant trees
Utilising Map Activities
Mipela’s process improvement Kamapin Project
COVID update
Tips and Tricks
Latest Release
Staff Updates
Newbie profile
Something GISsy
When it rains it pours
OLDER POSTS
A word from The Boss
Stakeholder management and a global wind energy company
What’s New? Product Update
ERA Water automates its asset protection with X-Info DBYD suite
Did you know?
Support Tips and Tricks
Product Focus
Something GISsy – 90% of users just want a map
A word from the Boss
ARTC implements X-Info DBYD suite as their automated response system
Beware the Spreadsheet
If you are breaking ground out in the field – we have you covered!
Product Update – X-Info Connect v6.2 release
Tips and Tricks – More about X-Info WebConnect Activities
Something GISSY – Geospatial vector file extensions
A word from the boss
When community focus is key to the success of your project
How Gladstone Area Water Board saves time processing permits using X-Info DBYD suite
What’s new? Product update
Tips and Tricks – X-Info WebConnect
Update on DBYD service
Mipela delivers more efficiencies to APA Group
Helping protect Queensland assets is at the tip of your fingers
Responsive engagement, requires intuitive interactions
Managing Cultural Heritage across Barada Barna land
“The Power of Communication” – see your world from a new perspective
Ever wondered how TransLink manage their Bus Stops?
Managing contaminated land compliance
APGA moves Pipeline Engineers Competency System (PECS) to a a new platform
“Doing the right thing”
Systematising pipeline risk management
The APGA Knowledgebase has moved to a new platform
These are challenging times
Experience really counts when it comes to stakeholder management
City of Greater Dandenong implements DBYD automated response system
Some days are great, some days are good, some days are bad
Stakeholder management – the answer is blowing in the wind
Going ons at Mipela
Flavour of the month – renewable energy projects
3 proven ways to empower technology
Automation in Remote Regions Delivers Multiple Benefits to Council
Powering through South Australia
Bringing  together data, systems and people
There’s no watering down the importance of DBYD responses at Allwater
Tanami Gas Pipeline data integrity and materials traceability
Incident management and risk analysis of Australasia’s pipelines
Greater Shepparton City Council moves to X-Info DBYD suite
What is X-Info SMS suite?
Putting your pipeline Safety Management Study information in one place
Making Lodging DBYDs Easier
Drawing in the Power of Collaboration
Desktop GIS Analysis for Preliminary Route Selection
X-Info DBYD suite Perfect Fit for ATOM
First Gas Land Management
Managing Your Information
Managing Your Information – from beginning to end
The importance of data across the life of your assets
Mipela assist Luminous Energy in planning solar farms in Queensland
Tasmanian Irrigation
The Value of X-Info Plans Management – Zinfra
Together, we grow
X-Info Plans Management
Real time data capture and reporting in remote field environment made possible with X-Info Aware
X-Info SMS suite – Safety Management Study
Property Information Service made easy
Your competitive advantage in field service management
Remote field task management and data capture providing results for real time consumption for Veolia
TGP optimises their field workforce with mobile data capture app
More than just maps… How do we add value to your GIS?
Working together as a team towards greater success
Automated back end processes provides Gladstone Area Water Board with improved responsiveness for issuing of permits
Four steps for effective business process improvement
Field Data Conversation Efficiency
Treasure your data?
New, bold, brilliant – X-Info Aware
SEA Gas improves efficiency of land management
Reach your business potential with X-Info Aware
True blue through and through
Perfect match: X-Info Connect and Maintenance Connection


News Archive


Tags