Convert PMF to JPW

Understanding PMF and JPW file formats

PMF (Published Map File) is a proprietary file format used by Esri ArcMap for storing map documents created with ArcGIS Publisher. PMF files contain map layouts, symbology, and references to spatial data, but do not embed the actual data. They are primarily used for sharing interactive maps with ArcReader.

JPW is a world file associated with JPEG images, providing georeferencing information so that the image can be accurately placed in a spatial context. JPW files are plain text and contain transformation parameters for mapping the image to real-world coordinates.

Why convert PMF to JPW?

Converting a PMF to a JPW file is not a direct process, as these formats serve different purposes. However, you may want to export map content from a PMF to a georeferenced JPEG image, which requires generating both a JPEG and its corresponding JPW file for use in GIS applications.

How to convert PMF to JPW

To achieve this, you need to:

1. Open the PMF file in ArcReader or ArcMap (if you have access to the original MXD).
2. Export the map as a JPEG image with georeferencing information.

Follow these steps in ArcMap (recommended):

• Open your map document (MXD) or PMF in ArcMap.
• Go to File → Export Map.
• Select JPEG as the output format.
• Check the option to Write World File (this creates the JPW file).
• Click Save to export. The JPEG and JPW files will be created in your chosen directory.

Best software for PMF to JPW conversion

The most reliable software for this process is Esri ArcMap (part of ArcGIS Desktop). While ArcReader can open PMF files, it does not support exporting to image formats with georeferencing. If you only have a PMF and not the original MXD, you may need to request the source map from the author for full export capabilities.

Summary

Direct conversion from PMF to JPW is not possible, but you can export map content as a georeferenced JPEG and JPW pair using ArcMap. This allows you to use the map image in other GIS applications with correct spatial referencing.