GIS Tech Tips: Understanding a Shapefile: What is it and How to use it

Understanding an early building block of GIS data: Shapefiles!
In his newest video, Tripp Corbin, GISP, one of SAM’s leading GIS specialists, breaks down the structure, limitations, and many uses of Shapefiles. Originally created in the 1990s as a data format for GIS, shapefiles still remain relevant and essential over two decades later! Though first developed by @Esri, shapefiles are now a broadly interoperable format that can be utilized across countless GIS platforms and applications. Check out Tripp's video to take a deeper dive into the uses, details, and limitations of this time-tested data format. #TechTips

[cmartinpescador]

Excellent! I will follow your free channel 🙂

[DavieGIS]

Great video and resource, Tripp. I'll use this next time I have to try to explain what a shapefile is to someone...

[trippcor]

Some great information presented here. Think this should be shared with anyone that works with GIS data especially if they are not a GIS professional. This video will provide a good foundational understanding of what a shapefile is and its limitations.

[byronburrell]

Thanks for the information! Certainly helped my understanding. Always good to receive insight into the background and history of GIS. Especially from GIS professionals that have computers nearly older than myself. :P

[trishl]

Very nice! I’d love to see a follow-up video explaining the difference between shapefiles and geodatabases.

[Stang]

Thanks for sharing this great information. I am sure many will find it helpful.

[stculp]

Nicely done Tripp. Good information presented in a clear and thorough manner. Great job.

[SamHanna-ie]

Great informational video. Makes shapefiles so much easier to understand and explain.