Skip to main content

Shapefile

Shapefile remains common because almost every GIS reads it. It is also a 1990s format with limitations that now matter in Māori GIS projects.

A shapefile is several files sharing a basename, commonly .shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj and sometimes .cpg plus indexes. Moving only the .shp can lose attributes, projection or encoding information.

Limitations​

  • short field names
  • older DBF data types
  • awkward null/date/text behaviour
  • text encoding problems if .cpg is missing
  • one geometry layer per file set
  • no modern relationships/domains

Encoding mistakes can damage macrons and place names. Check after conversion.

Use it when​

A partner or older application explicitly needs Shapefile. Otherwise prefer GeoPackage for editable local vector work.

Last reviewed: 26 August 2026

Last updated on