Borealis supports importing geometry data from standard Shapefile (Compressed .ZIP) files. To ensure a successful import, you must prepare your Shapefile (Compressed .ZIP file) correctly and know the Spatial Reference System (SRS) used by the data.
Import Requirements
Before importing a Shapefile (Compressed .ZIP file) into Borealis, ensure the following requirements are met:
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Required Attribute Columns
- The Shapefile must contain an ID column with a unique value for each record. Borealis uses this column to identify imported features.
- You can also include an optional COMMENTS column to import additional notes or details.
Note: Borealis ignores all other attribute columns during import. Only the ID and COMMENTS columns are processed.
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Spatial Reference System
- You must know the Spatial Reference System (SRS) used by your Shapefile and select the correct value during import.
Note: If the required Spatial Reference System is not available in the drop-down list, contact the Borealis Helpdesk to have it added.
Understanding Shapefiles (Compressed .ZIP file)
Borealis uses the standard Shapefile (Compressed .ZIP file) structure along with a Spatial Reference System (SRS) to place geographic features in the correct location on a map.
A Shapefile stores geographic feature data, including geometry and associated attribute information. The geometry is represented by vector coordinates that define the shape and location of a feature on a map.
Organizations and websites may provide a .ZIP file that is already configured and ready to use in Borealis. However, in some cases, you or a GIS specialist may need to review and adjust the file before importing it.
Tip: If you need to create or modify Shapefiles, it is recommended that you use GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.
File Naming Requirements
When preparing or reviewing a Shapefile (Compressed .ZIP file), ensure that all related files use the same filename, with only the file extension being different.
For example:
- Canada_2024.shp
- Canada_2024.shx
- Canada_2024.dbf
Using the same filename allows Borealis to recognize the files as part of the same Shapefile and correctly link the data during import.
Must have files in Shapefile (Compressed .ZIP file)
A Shapefile (Compressed .ZIP file) must contain at least the following files:
- .SHP - Stores the geometry data that defines the shape and location of the geographic features being imported.
- .SHX - Stores index information used to locate geometry records within the Shapefile.
- .DBF - Stores the attribute data associated with the geographic features.
Optional files in Shapefile (Compressed .ZIP file)
Additional files may be included in a Shapefile (Compressed .ZIP file) depending on how it was created and the GIS application used.
Borealis ignores these files during import and processes only the .SHP, .SHX, and .DBF files.
Note: Although a .PRJ file may be included, Borealis does not use it during import. You must manually select the correct Spatial Reference System.
What is a Spatial Reference System?
A Spatial Reference System (SRS), also known as a Coordinate Reference System (CRS), defines how locations on the Earth's surface are represented as coordinates. It allows geographic features to be accurately positioned on a map.
Common examples include:
- EPSG:4326 – World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84)
- EPSG:3857 – WGS 84 Web Mercator
WGS 84 is the spatial reference system commonly used by GPS devices.