Search notes:

ESRI shape files

An ESRI shape file is a commonly used file format for storing vector geospatial data.
A shape file actually consists of three files (compare gis.stackexchange.com):
The format was developped by ESRI.
Also seen were filename.prj files which indicate the data's projection.

QGIS

In QGIS, a shape file is opened by usenig the add vector layer tool-button on the left side of the application.

R

In R, the package rgdal's function readOGR() can be used to read shape files.
The sp and maptools package.

See also

geodata

Links

ESRI Shapefile Technical Description - An ESRI White Paper—July 1998

Index