EAZ File – What is .eaz file and how to open it?
EAZ File Extension
ArcGIS Explorer Add-in File – file format by ESRI
EAZ file extension stands for ArcGIS Explorer Add-in File developed by ESRI. It contains an add-in for ArcGIS Explorer, a free desktop application for visualizing and exploring geographic data.
Definition and Purpose
An EAZ file, or ArcGIS Explorer Add-in File, is a binary file format used by Esri’s ArcGIS Explorer software, a geographic information system (GIS) application. EAZ files contain plugins and extensions that add additional functionality or customization to ArcGIS Explorer, enabling users to perform specific tasks or integrate data from various sources. By extending the capabilities of ArcGIS Explorer, EAZ files enhance the software’s usability, efficiency, and data exploration possibilities.
Development and Usage
EAZ files are developed using Esri’s ArcGIS Explorer SDK (Software Development Kit). This SDK provides developers with the tools and resources necessary to create custom add-ins and extensions that can be packaged and distributed as EAZ files. Once installed, EAZ files become seamlessly integrated into ArcGIS Explorer, making them accessible to users through the software’s interface. By leveraging the EAZ file format, developers can share their custom ArcGIS Explorer add-ins, enabling users to personalize and enhance their GIS workflow with tailored functionality and data connectivity options.
Opening EAZ Files on ArcGIS Explorer
To open an EAZ file in ArcGIS Explorer, you must have the application installed on your computer. Once you have installed ArcGIS Explorer, follow these steps:
- Open ArcGIS Explorer.
- Click on the “Add-Ins” tab.
- Click on the “Add EAZ” button.
- Navigate to the location of the EAZ file you want to open.
- Select the EAZ file and click “Open.”
Once you have opened the EAZ file, it will be added to the Add-Ins list. You can now use the add-in by clicking on its icon in the Add-Ins list.
Alternative Methods for Opening EAZ Files
If you do not have ArcGIS Explorer installed on your computer, you can use an alternative method to open EAZ files. One option is to use a text editor. EAZ files are XML files, so you can open them with any text editor, such as Notepad or WordPad. However, you will not be able to use the add-in functionality unless you open the file in ArcGIS Explorer.
Another option is to use an online XML editor. There are several online XML editors available, such as Codebeautify and XMLGrid. These editors allow you to view and edit XML files online. However, you will not be able to use the add-in functionality unless you open the file in ArcGIS Explorer.
ArcGIS Explorer Add-in File (.EAZ)
An ArcGIS Explorer Add-in File (.EAZ) is a type of file used in conjunction with ArcGIS Explorer, a discontinued mapping and geographic information system (GIS) software developed by ESRI. EAZ files contain custom add-ins that extend the functionality of ArcGIS Explorer, allowing users to add custom tools, commands, or functionality to the software. These add-ins can range from simple scripts to complex applications that provide specialized capabilities tailored to specific workflows or industry needs.
EAZ files are typically created using the ArcGIS Explorer Add-in Wizard, which provides a user-friendly interface for constructing add-ins. The wizard guides users through the process of specifying the name, description, and functionality of the add-in, as well as selecting the target version of ArcGIS Explorer for which it is intended. Once created, EAZ files can be easily installed into ArcGIS Explorer by double-clicking the file or selecting it within the Add-In Manager within the software. After installation, the add-in’s functionality becomes available in the ArcGIS Explorer interface, enabling users to leverage its extended capabilities.