[Freegis-list] GIS newbie

[gaz]

On Tue, 23 Apr 2002, Chris Veale wrote:

> I have a need to now use shape files (or mapper files - I have both formats)
> 
> Can you please explain to me what shape files are and what mapper files are,
> and the formats of both.
> 
> Also can you tell me  how to use a shape or mapper file without using
> arcview, I think I should be able to import it into my delphi application.
> 

Shapefiles are files made with a format used by Arcview and Arcinfo.  Although
these are proprietary programs, the Shapefile format specification is
available to the public.  You can download the specification from
http://www.esri.com/library/whitepapers/pdfs/shapefile.pdf

There is a free library for reading and writing Shapefiles at
http://gdal.velocet.ca/projects/shapelib/
It is in C, but you might be able to translate some parts into Delphi.

I hope this helps.

Gordon
http://www.tkgeomap.org