GIS File Formats

GIS File Formats

A GIS file format is a standard of encoding geographical information into a file. They are created mainly by government mapping agencies (such as the USGS or National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) or by GIS software developers.

Metadata often includes:

  • Elevation data, either in raster or vector (e.g., contour lines) form
  • Shape layers, usually expressed as line drawings, for streets, postal zone boundaries, etc.
  • Coordinate system descriptions.
  • One or more datums describing the precise shape of the Earth assumed by the coordinates.

Read more about GIS File Formats:  Raster, Vector, Advantages and Disadvantages, Non-spatial Data

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