Shapefile
lastmod 2025-09-23created 2014-07-094 edits
The shapefile format is a geospatial vector data format for geographic information system (GIS) software. It is developed and regulated by Esri as a mostly open specification for data interoperability between Esri's ArcView GIS software and other GIS software products such as QGIS. The shapefile format can spatially describe vector features such as points, lines, and polygons representing, for example, wells, rivers, and lakes. Each item usually has attributes that describe it, such as a name or temperature.
How to view
The Esri Shapefile or simply a shapefile is a popular geospatial vector data format for geographic information systems software.
If you want to download a simple Shapefile Viewer, visit the site below. http://www.qarah.com/shapeviewer/
The Shapefile file structure can be found at the link below.
* Website: http://www.esri.com/library/whitepapers/pdfs/shapefile.pdf
- Local File: ESRI_Shapefile_Technical_Description.pdf