Which file extensions do I need to import field boundaries?

Answer:

Shapefiles are made up of mandatory and optional files. The mandatory file extensions needed for a Shapefile are .shp, .shx, .dbf and .prj. The optional files are: .xml, .sbn and .sbx.  All file extensions must be zipped together in the same .zip file.

Mandatory Shapefile Extensions

.shp: ESRI file that represents the feature geometry. Each shapefile has its own .shp file that can represent points, lines and polygons in a map.

.shx: ESRI and AutoCAD shape index position. This type of file is used to search forward and backwards. 

.dbf: Standard database file used to store attribute data and object IDs. This file type can be opened in Microsoft Access or Excel. 

.prj: This file type contains the metadata associated with the shapefiles coordinate and projection system. If this file does not exist, the error "unknown coordinate system" may appear. 

 

Optional Shapefile Extensions

.xml: This file type contains the metadata associated with the shapefile. If you delete this file, you will essentially delete your metadata. This file type can be opened and edited in any text editor. 

.sbn: Spatial index file that optimizes spatial queries. This file type is saved together with a .sbx file. These two files make up a shape index to speed up spatial queries. 

.sbx: Similar to .sbn files, this file type speeds up loading times. It works with .sbn files to optimize spatial queries.

 

Related Articles:
Getting Started: How to add Fields
Where can I obtain Shapefiles to import as field boundaries into Traction Enterprise?