Shapefiles (*.shp)

Shapefiles contain data exported from ARC/INFO® or ArcView® in binary format. When they are imported into SMS, the data is converted to feature objects, points, arcs, or polygons. Shapefiles are opened through File | Open but cannot be saved from SMS. The data can be saved as a Map file. SMS does not save shapefiles.

When a shapefile is opened, the Import Shapefile Data dialog appears. The user must know if the file is a Point, Arc, or Polygon shapefile. The options in the dialog are:

• Coverage Options - Bring up the coverage options dialog to set the coverage in which the shapefile data is created.

• Points / Arcs / Polygons - Under each of these sections, the file browser button allows the user to select a point, arc, and polygon file. One file of each type may be selected.

• Attribute Mapping - This button brings up the Map Shapefile Attributes dialog. In this dialog, the user can select an attribute from each of the Database (from the shapefile) and Coverage attributes (SMS supported attributes) fields. If an attribute is selected from each, the Map button maps the attributes and the Unmap button unmaps the attributes. If an attribute is mapped, the attributes will be assigned in SMS when the file is opened.