 A vector map, with points, polylines and polygons | |
| Filename extension | .shp, .shx, .dbf |
|---|---|
| Internet media type |
x-gis/x-shapefile |
| Developed by | Esri |
| Type of format | GIS |
| Standard | Shapefile Technical Description |
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 among Esri and other GIS software products.[1] The shapefile format can spatially describe vector features: points, lines, and polygons, representing, for example, water wells, rivers, and lakes. Each item usually has attributes that describe it, such as name or temperature.
- ^ ESRI (July 1998). "ESRI Shapefile Technical Description" (PDF). Retrieved 4 July 2007.