How do I use Farm Works data to create projection files for use in another program? I want to import field boundaries I’ve created in Farm Works into another program.
Some programs require a Projection file (.prj) to import data for use. When you export boundaries with Farm Works, the program exports the data as ArcView Shape Files (.shp, .shx, and .dbf files) which are exported in degrees of latitude and longitude.
In order to import shape files into GIS software (such as ESRI) you need to add a .prj file (which informs the GIS that the data is unprojected degrees with a WGS84 datum).
To do this manually: right click on your desktop, select New then select Text Document. Now double click on this New Text Document to open it and type (or copy/paste from here):
GEOGCS[“GCS_WGS_1984”,DATUM[“D_WGS_1984”,SPHEROID[“WGS_1984”,6378137,298.257223563]],PRIMEM[“Greenwich”,0],UNIT[“Degree”,0.0174532925199433]]
myfarm.shx
myfarm.dbf
Arc View Shape Files
Arc View Shape Files act as a common file format for mapping software programs within the agriculture industry. This file format enables users to share information within software packages, between different software programs. For example, if you are using Site Mate (or Mobile) out in the field, Arc View Shape is one of the file output options. Prescription maps can also be saved in this format so variable rate control software can use the map.
Distinct pieces of information are combined in Arc View Shape Files including characteristics about the GPS information as well as GPS coordinates. Three individual files with the following extensions connect these pieces of information together:
- .dbf: this file contains the attributes and is a database file
- .shp: this file contains all of the GPS information
- .shx: this file contains all of the header information.
All three files are automatically created when you save as an Arc View Shape file. However, as you move these files between drives and directories, you must make sure all three files remain together in the same directory and have the same filename before importing into any Arc View Shape file compatible program.
When you load an Arc View Shape file into a program such as Farm Site or Site Mate (or Mobile), it will only be necessary to import, or load, the file with the .shp extension. As long as the other files (the .dbf and .shx) have the same file name, the program will know how to look at these files for the necessary information.