Mapper2Shape FAQ

 

Why can I not run GPSmapper2Shape on my machine?

 

Microsoft .NET Framework is required to run Mapper2Shape. If this is not installed on your computer you will not be able to run the application at all. You can download the most recent version of the .NET Framework (Dotnetfx.exe) at no charge from the Microsoft MSDN Download Center

With .NET Framework installed Mapper2Shape should run on any of the following operating systems :

What is a GPSmapper2Shape?

GPSmapper2Shape is a small freeware program that allows users of GPSmapper ( http://www.wildsoft.org/products/palm/index.html#GPSmapper ) to convert their files from the text format (*.csv) used in GPSmapper to Arcview Shapefile format and vice versa.

What is shapefiles ?

The ESRI shapefile is a standard binary file format used in many GIS programs to transfer vector maps between vendors.

What is this used for

Users of GPSmapper often use a Palm program called GPSacreage or GPSgrabber to capture GPS tracks on a PDA device. Now they can also export or import tracks from other GIS programs.

What type of shapefiles are supported?

GPSmapper2Shape use only "Polygon" or type 5 shapefiles that is in WGS84 (latitude and longitude) format.  Mapper2Shape actually generates three different files name *.shp (the actual shapefile), *.shx (the index file) and *.dbf (the database file).  The reason for three files is because most GIS applications like ArcView, ArcExplorer, DIVA-GIS etc require all three files to be present in the same directory in order to display the map.

Where can I find a nice free GIS to view my shapefiles?

 

What is a GPSmapper *.csv file?

GPSmapper uses standard ascii format files in command delimited (CSV) format to represent GPS tracks. The following an example of a GPSmapper CSV file:

Track,Latitude,Longitude

1,050.0208067,010.4536275

2,050.0208267,010.4536183

3,050.0208300,010.4536367

4,050.0208233,010.4536617

5,050.0208083,010.4536833

....

NOTE : I include an example of a valid shapefile (ex_africa) as well as its converted GPSmapper file with this program for you to play with.

 

How do I make a conversion

Select the Conversion Type - Either Shape (*.shp) to GPSmapper (*.csv) or GPSmapper to Shape.

Select Track or Area. - In an Area file the End point is connected to the Start point. In a track file this is not the case.

Select the input and output filenames (Full file path)

Press the convert button.

Disclaimer

This program is freeware. You may distribute it as you like, but the developer takes no responsibility for any losses in case of a mistake or bug in the code. It is your own responsibility to verify your data.

 

Contacting the developer:

Updates of this program will appear on my website at http://www.wildsoft.org

You can also email me at werner@wildsoft.org