Convert MIF to SHP

Understanding MIF and SHP file formats

MIF (MapInfo Interchange Format) is a geospatial vector data format developed by MapInfo for storing map and geographic information. It typically comes with a companion .MID file containing attribute data. SHP (Shapefile) is a widely used geospatial vector data format developed by Esri, commonly used in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) applications for storing geometric location and associated attribute information.

Why convert MIF to SHP?

Converting MIF to SHP is often necessary when sharing data between different GIS platforms, as SHP is more universally supported. This ensures compatibility and easier data manipulation across various GIS software.

Best software for MIF to SHP conversion

The most recommended tool for converting MIF to SHP is GDAL/OGR, a powerful open-source library for geospatial data translation. Another user-friendly option is QGIS, a free and open-source GIS application.

How to convert MIF to SHP using QGIS

1. Open QGIS and go to Layer → Add Layer → Add Vector Layer.
2. Browse and select your .mif file to load it into the project.
3. Right-click the loaded layer and choose Export → Save Features As....
4. In the Format dropdown, select ESRI Shapefile.
5. Specify the output file location and click OK to complete the conversion.

How to convert MIF to SHP using GDAL/OGR

Use the following command in your terminal or command prompt:

ogr2ogr -f "ESRI Shapefile" output_folder/input.shp input.mif

This command will convert your MIF file to a SHP file, preserving attribute data.

Conclusion

Converting MIF to SHP is straightforward with tools like QGIS and GDAL/OGR, ensuring your geospatial data is accessible across a wide range of GIS applications.