Convert MIF to ABS

Understanding MIF and ABS file formats

The MIF (MapInfo Interchange Format) is a vector graphics format used primarily for geographic information systems (GIS). It is a text-based format that allows for the exchange of map data between different software applications. MIF files are often accompanied by a MID file, which contains attribute data.

The ABS file format is associated with the Absolute Database, a database management system for Delphi and C++ Builder. ABS files store database tables and are used for data storage and retrieval in applications developed with these programming languages.

Converting MIF to ABS

Converting a MIF file to an ABS file involves transforming geographic data into a database format. This process is not straightforward due to the different nature of the two formats. However, it can be achieved by first converting the MIF file into a more database-friendly format, such as CSV, and then importing the data into an ABS database.

Best software for MIF to ABS conversion

To perform this conversion, you can use the following software:

• FME Desktop: A powerful data integration tool that supports a wide range of formats, including MIF. You can use it to convert MIF files to CSV or other intermediary formats.
• DBConvert: A database conversion tool that can import CSV files into an ABS database.

To convert using FME Desktop, follow these steps:

1. Open FME Desktop and select File → Open to load your MIF file.
2. Choose the output format as CSV and click File → Export.
3. Use DBConvert to import the CSV file into an ABS database.