Convert ESRI Shapefile to KML
Use this tool to convert ESRI Shapefile to kml with various options such as Geometry Type, Projections, Line separator, etc. Upload a .zip containing .shp, .shx, .prj and .dbf files.
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What is ESRI Shapefile?
An ESRI Shapefile is a widely used file format for storing geospatial vector data developed by Esri. It consists of multiple files that together represent a single layer or dataset. The Shapefile format can store various types of geometric data such as points, lines, and polygons, along with their associated attributes.
Here's a breakdown of the components typically found in an ESRI Shapefile:
- .shp (Shapefile): This file contains the geometry data, including points, lines, or polygons representing geographic features.
- .shx (Shape Index): This file is an index file that stores the index of the records in the shapefile. It helps in quickly accessing specific records in the shapefile.
- .dbf (Attribute Table): This file stores attribute data associated with the geometric features in the shapefile. It is typically in dBASE format and can contain attribute information such as names, IDs, population counts, etc.
- .prj (Projection File): This file contains the coordinate system and projection information for the spatial data stored in the shapefile. It defines how the geographic data should be interpreted and displayed on maps.
- .sbn and .sbx (Spatial Index): These files are optional spatial index files that provide a spatial index to improve the performance of spatial queries on the shapefile. They are not always present in every Shapefile.
Each of these files plays a specific role in storing and managing geospatial data within the Shapefile format. Together, they allow for the storage of both geometric and attribute data, making it a versatile and widely used format in the GIS (Geographic Information System) community.
What is KML?
A KML (Keyhole Markup Language) file is an XML-based file format used for representing geographic data in three-dimensional earth browsers, such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and various GIS software. KML files can contain a variety of spatial data types, including points, lines, polygons, images, and text annotations, allowing users to visualize and interact with geospatial information.
Here's a breakdown of the key components typically found in a KML file:
- Document Structure: The root element of a KML file is <kml> which contains the <Document> element. Inside the <Document> element, you can include various elements representing geographical features.
- Geographical Features: KML supports different types of geographical features such as:
- <Placemark>: Represents a single point, line, or polygon feature.
- <Point>: Represents a single point.
- <LineString>: Represents a sequence of connected line segments.
- <Polygon>: Represents a closed shape with three or more sides.
- <GroundOverlay>: Represents an image overlay draped onto the ground.
- <ScreenOverlay>: Represents an image overlay fixed to the screen.
- <NetworkLink>: Allows the inclusion of content from the web.
- Styling: KML allows styling of features using <Style> elements. Styles can define attributes such as color, line width, and icon images.
- Metadata: KML files can contain metadata such as name, description, and custom properties associated with each feature.
- Hierarchy: KML files can be organized in a hierarchical structure. Features can be grouped within folders using the <Folder> element.
Overall, a KML file provides a structured way to represent geographic data along with associated metadata and styling information, making it widely used for sharing and visualizing spatial information across different platforms and applications.