Question

What is the file ending for map documents and what do they store?

a) .pdf - Stores vector graphics
b) .txt - Stores plain text data
c) .shp - Stores shapefiles with geographic data
d) .csv - Stores tabular data

Answer 1

The .shp file extension is used for shapefiles in Geographic Information Systems, which store geographic data. The shapefile format can store point, line, and polygon features, along with associated attribute information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The file ending for map documents primarily used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is .shp, which stands for shapefile. This file format is crucial for storing geometric location and associated attribute information. Shapefiles can store different types of data including point, line, and polygon features. Each shapefile is made up of at least three required files. Namely, the .shp file contains the geometric data, the .shx file is the shape index file which stores the index of the feature geometry, and the .dbf file holds attribute data in a tabular format that can be associated with shapefile features.

Therefore, among the options:

• a) .pdf - Stores vector graphics.
• b) .txt - Stores plain text data.
• c) .shp - Stores shapefiles with geographic data, is the correct answer as it specifically stores geographic information and is widely used in GIS applications.
• d) .csv - Stores tabular data.

Although .pdf, .txt, and .csv are also file formats used for storing and sharing data, they are not primarily associated with map documents or GIS applications.