DIX File – What is .dix file and how to open it?

Definition and Purpose

A DIX file, an acronym for DIVA-GIS Export File, is an extensively customizable file format employed primarily in geographical information systems (GIS) software. It is specifically designed for storing and managing geospatial data, encompassing both vector and raster data, as well as metadata and other ancillary information. DIX files offer users a comprehensive solution for exchanging, sharing, and manipulating geospatial data across different platforms and software applications.

Key Features and Advantages

DIX files possess a wide array of features that enhance their utility within the realm of GIS. They provide support for storing various types of vector data, including points, lines, and polygons, along with corresponding attributes and associated geometry. Additionally, DIX files can accommodate raster data, representing continuous spatial distributions, enabling users to store and analyze images and other georeferenced datasets. The customizable nature of DIX files allows users to tailor the structure and organization of their geospatial data to meet specific requirements and preferences. This adaptability fosters efficient data management and seamless interoperability between different software platforms and applications.

Open DIX Files with DIVA-GIS

DIX files are associated with DIVA-GIS, a free and open-source geospatial data analysis and visualization software. To open DIX files in DIVA-GIS, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you have the latest version of DIVA-GIS installed.
2. Launch DIVA-GIS and click on “File” in the menu bar.
3. Select “Open” and navigate to the DIX file you want to open.
4. Click “Open” to load the DIX file into DIVA-GIS.

Once the DIX file is loaded, it will appear in the DIVA-GIS workspace. You can view and manipulate the data in the DIX file using the various tools and features provided by DIVA-GIS.

Alternative Methods to Open DIX Files

If you do not have DIVA-GIS installed, you can use other software that supports the DIX file format, such as:

• Microsoft Excel: DIX files can be imported into Excel using the “Import Data” feature.
• Google Sheets: DIX files can be uploaded to Google Sheets and converted into a spreadsheet format.
• Notepad++: DIX files can be opened and viewed as text files using a text editor like Notepad++.

However, it is important to note that using these alternative methods may result in limited functionality or loss of data, as they do not fully support all the features of the DIX file format.

DIX File Format

The DIX file format is a proprietary format developed by DIVA-GIS, a discontinued geographic information system (GIS) software. This file extension is used for storing geospatial data, including attribute and spatial information. DIX files are commonly used to store map layers, which can contain various types of data such as vector data (e.g., points, lines, polygons), raster data (e.g., aerial imagery), and metadata (e.g., map projection, coordinate system). They provide a structured way of organizing and managing geospatial data, allowing for easy data sharing and exchange within the DIVA-GIS environment.

DIX File Structure

DIX files have a complex internal structure, consisting of multiple sections that store different types of data. The header section contains general information about the file, such as the file format version, coordinate system, and projection. The data section holds the actual geospatial data, which is further divided into layers and objects. Each layer represents a specific data type (e.g., points, lines, polygons) and contains a collection of objects. Objects are the individual features stored in the layer, each representing a single geographic entity (e.g., a building, a road, or a water body). DIX files also include metadata, which provides additional information about the data, such as its source, accuracy, and usage rights. The metadata is typically stored in a separate section within the file.

Other Extensions