Export to Shapefile (.SHP)

Modified on Wed, 23 Jul at 10:20 AM

Why use Shapefiles?

Shapefiles (.SHP) are a standard format for vector data in GIS software . In Pythagoras, you can export points, lines or polygons to shapefile format, including attribute data and projection info (.PRJ file), as long as your project has a defined coordinate system (CRS).

Shapefile components

Each shapefile export generates multiple files:

File type	Description
`.shp`	The geometry (points, lines, or polygons)
`.shx`	Index file
`.dbf`	Attribute table (layer, color, etc.)
`.prj`	Coordinate Reference System description

Starting in Pythagoras 2024, the .prj file is included automatically if a valid CRS is set.

Workflow: exporting to shapefile

1. Set the coordinate system (CRS)

Go to Settings > Document Settings > Coordinate Reference System
Choose a CRS (e.g. Lambert 72 (EPSG:31370))
Click OK

The CRS is now active and shown in the control panel.

2. Select the objects

Select the objects you want to export
Use Selection > Select by Layer, or Ctrl+A for everything

3. Export to SHP

Go to File > Export > Export to Shape
Choose geometry type: points, lines, or polygons
Set file name and export location
Confirm coordinate system (preferably Global if CRS is set)
Click OK

This will generate .shp, .shx, .dbf and, if applicable, .prj files.

Key considerations

One geometry type per file
Shapefiles can't contain mixed geometry (points and lines in the same file).

Set a CRS for .PRJ
Without a CRS, no .prj file is generated — this may cause problems in GIS tools.

Attribute export
Attributes such as layer, color, and name are stored in the .dbf.

Common use cases

Submitting plans to local governments or GIS portals
Sharing vector data with partners using QGIS/ArcGIS
Exporting project boundaries as polygons for documentation
Converting CAD survey data into GIS format

Summary

Goal	What to do in Pythagoras
Export shapefiles	>File > Export > Export to Shape
Include .PRJ file	Set a CRS first via document settings
Export multiple object types	Perform separate exports for each geometry type
Export only project boundary	Draw and select the polygon, then export as SHP

FAQ

Does styling (color, symbol) get exported?
No. Shapefiles store geometry and attribute data only. Styling must be reapplied in your GIS software using the attributes.

Can I export DTM or point cloud data as SHP?
No, only vector objects like points, lines and polygons can be exported to shapefile format.