How to Convert to Shapefile

GPS systems help us navigate complex geographic areas.

GPS systems have revolutionized navigation in the marine, automobile and outdoor adventure industries. Digital geographic information systems are now highly intelligent and capable of evaluating different geographic aspects to determine the best route across or around a piece of land or water. A shapefile is a common file format for storing geographic data attained by navigational systems. These files are used across a number of navigation systems and PC software suites, so it may be necessary to convert other data formats to Shapefile format to easily use or manipulate geographic data. The GPSBabel software performs conversions of multiple navigational data formats to Shapefiles.

Instructions

1. Download, install and run GPSBabel.

2. Click on the "File" radio button underneath the "Input" heading.

3. Click on the drop-down box next to "Format" and select the format of the file you are converting.

4. Click on "File Name." Navigate to the file you wish to convert, highlight it with your mouse and click "OK."

5. Click on the "File" radio button underneath the "Output" heading.

6. Click on the drop-down button next to "Format" and select "Shapefile."

7. Click on the "File Name" button and select a name and location for the new file on your computer.

8. Select the "Waypoints," "Routes" and "Tracks" radio buttons next to "Translation Options."

9. Click on "Apply."

References

• GPSBabel: Capabilities
• GPSBabel: Screenshots

Resources

• GPSBabel: Download