![]() A vector map, with points, polylines and polygons | |
Filename extension | .shp , .shx , .dbf |
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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.