E00 File – What is .e00 file and how to open it?

Definition and Purpose of E00 Files

An E00 file is a binary file format used for exporting data from ESRI’s ArcInfo Geographic Information System (GIS) software. It is specifically designed for transferring coverage data, which is a vector data format that stores geographic features as points, lines, and polygons. E00 files contain both the geometric and attribute information associated with the coverage data.

Structure and Compatibility

E00 files are organized into sections that follow a specific structure. The first section contains metadata about the coverage, including its name, coordinate system, and bounding box. Subsequent sections contain the actual geometry and attribute data. E00 files are compatible with older versions of ArcInfo and can also be imported into other GIS software that supports the coverage data format.

E00 files are particularly useful for exchanging coverage data between different GIS systems or for archival purposes. They provide a standardized method for storing and transferring spatial data, ensuring compatibility and data integrity.

What is an E00 File?

An E00 file is a geospatial file format developed by ESRI, primarily used for exporting data from ArcInfo, a discontinued GIS software. The purpose of E00 files is to facilitate the exchange and archiving of geospatial data. They contain a collection of vector features, including points, lines, and polygons, along with their associated attributes. E00 files follow a specific format and structure that enables them to be read and interpreted by various GIS applications.

Opening E00 Files

To open an E00 file, you require a compatible GIS software that supports the format. Several software options are available, including ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, and AutoCAD Map 3D. These applications provide tools and functionalities for viewing, editing, and analyzing the geospatial data stored in E00 files. Some online GIS tools and services may also support E00 file import, allowing users to access and visualize the data through web-based platforms.

When opening an E00 file in a GIS software, users may encounter additional files with extensions like .E01, .E02, and so on. These files are associated with the main E00 file and contain supplementary data, such as feature tables, indexes, and metadata. It is important to keep all associated files together to ensure complete and accurate data retrieval.

ArcInfo Coverage Export File (E00)

ArcInfo Coverage Export Files (E00) are a type of geospatial data format used to store and exchange geographic information. Developed by ESRI, a leading provider of geographic information system (GIS) software, E00 files are primarily associated with ArcInfo, a GIS software suite. They are used to represent spatial data as a collection of coverages, which are individual layers of geographic features such as points, lines, and polygons. Each coverage can contain multiple features, and the E00 file format allows for the efficient storage and retrieval of this data.

Technical Description and Applications

E00 files are composed of a set of separate binary files, each of which stores a specific type of information. These files include the feature geometry, attributes, and topology. The feature geometry is stored in a file with the extension .e00, while the attributes are stored in a file with the extension .aat. The topology is stored in a file with the extension .pat. E00 files are typically used to transfer data between different GIS systems or to archive geographic data for future use. They are also often used as an intermediate format during data processing operations, such as data cleaning and transformation.

Other Extensions