Convert SHX to ADF
How to convert SHX (Shapefile index) to ADF (ArcInfo Binary Grid) using ArcGIS or GDAL tools.
How to convert shx to adf file
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Understanding SHX and ADF file formats
SHX files are shape index files commonly used with ESRI Shapefiles in geographic information systems (GIS). They store shape index data that helps software quickly locate geometric features in the main SHP file. ADF files, on the other hand, are ESRI ArcInfo Binary Grid files used to store raster or vector data in a proprietary format for advanced spatial analysis and mapping.
Why convert SHX to ADF?
Converting SHX (along with its associated SHP and DBF files) to ADF is often necessary when migrating vector data into an ESRI ArcInfo workspace or when preparing data for use in legacy ESRI software that requires the ADF format.
How to convert SHX to ADF
Since SHX is only an index file, you must convert the entire Shapefile set (SHP, SHX, DBF) to ADF. The best way to do this is by using GIS software that supports both formats.
Recommended software for conversion
- ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap/ArcCatalog): ESRI's flagship GIS software can import Shapefiles and export them as ArcInfo coverages (ADF format). Use ArcToolbox → Conversion Tools → To Coverage.
- GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library): An open-source library and command-line tool. Use the ogr2ogr utility to convert Shapefiles to ArcInfo Binary Grid (ADF) format.
Step-by-step conversion using ArcGIS Desktop
- Open ArcCatalog or ArcMap.
- Navigate to ArcToolbox → Conversion Tools → To Coverage → Feature Class to Coverage.
- Select your Shapefile (SHP, SHX, DBF) as the input.
- Specify the output workspace for the ADF files.
- Run the tool to generate the ADF-based ArcInfo coverage.
Step-by-step conversion using GDAL
- Install GDAL on your system.
- Use the following command:
ogr2ogr -f "Arc/Info Binary Coverage" output_folder input.shp - The output folder will contain the ADF files representing the ArcInfo coverage.
Conclusion
Converting SHX (as part of a Shapefile) to ADF is best accomplished using ArcGIS Desktop or GDAL. Both tools ensure data integrity and compatibility with ESRI's ArcInfo format.
Note: This shx to adf conversion record is incomplete, must be verified, and may contain inaccuracies. Please vote below whether you found this information helpful or not.