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TIP: Farm Site

About Arc View Shape Files

Arc View Shape Files act as a common file format for mapping software programs within the agriculture industry. This file format enables users to share information within software packages, between different software programs. For example, if you are using Site Mate out in the field, Arc View Shape is one of the file output options. Prescription maps can also be saved in this format so the variable rate control software, such as Site Mate, can use the map.

Distinct pieces of information are combined in Arc View Shape Files including characteristics about the GPS information as well as GPS coordinates. Three individual files with the following extensions connect these pieces of information together:

• .dbf: this file contains the attributes and is a database file
• .shp: this file contains all of the GPS information
• .shx: this file contains all of the header information.

All three files are automatically created when you save as an Arc View Shape file. However, as you move these files between drives and directories, you must make sure all three files remain together in the same directory and have the same filename before importing into any Arc View Shape file compatible program.

When you load an Arc View Shape file into a program such as Farm Site or Site Mate, it will only be necessary to import, or load, the file with the .shp extension. As long as the other files (the .dbf and .shx) have the same file name, the program will know how to look at these files for the necessary information.

With all three files working together, you can create geo-referenced maps supported by data that can be utilized by many different programs.

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