Shapefile Viewer
View and analyze ESRI Shapefiles directly in your browser with our powerful GIS mapping tool. No data ever leaves your device — everything is processed locally for complete privacy.
Quick start
- 1
Upload Your Shapefile
Drag and drop a .shp file or a .zip archive containing all shapefile components (.shp, .dbf, .shx, .prj). For complete data visualization, we recommend using a zip file with all components.
- 2
Explore the Interactive Map
Once loaded, your shapefile will be displayed on the interactive map. You can zoom, pan, and click on features to view their attributes in a popup. The map automatically centers on your data.
- 3
Manage Layers and View Properties
Use the layer controls to toggle visibility of different layers. Switch to the Properties tab to browse all feature attributes in a tabular format. Select features to highlight them on the map.
- 4
Export to GeoJSON
When you're ready, export your shapefile data to GeoJSON format for use in web applications, data analysis tools, or the ChatDB GeoJSON Viewer.
Data stays on your device
All processing runs locally in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server.
Our Shapefile Viewer lets you view and analyze ESRI shapefiles directly in your browser using Mapbox GL JS. Upload .shp files or .zip archives, explore features on an interactive map, inspect properties, toggle layers, export to GeoJSON, and continue the workflow in the GeoJSON Viewer — all without installing any GIS software.
100% Client-Side
Processing
GeoJSON
Export
Mapbox GL
Map Engine
100% Private & Secure
Your geographic data never leaves your device. All processing happens locally in your browser, ensuring complete data privacy.
Powerful GIS Capabilities
Inspect feature properties, toggle layers, add feature labels, and export to GeoJSON — all the essential GIS functions you need.
No Installation Required
Skip complex GIS software installations. Our browser-based tool works on any modern device — desktop, tablet, or even mobile.
What shapefile components do I need to upload?
For best results, upload a .zip archive containing all shapefile components: .shp (geometry), .dbf (attributes), .shx (index), and .prj (projection). You can also upload a standalone .shp file, but attribute data and projections may be missing.
Does my data leave my device?
No. All processing happens locally in your browser. Your geographic data never leaves your device, ensuring complete data privacy and security.
Can I export my shapefile to GeoJSON?
Yes. Use the export function to convert your shapefile data to GeoJSON format, which is widely supported across most mapping libraries and GIS tools. If conversion is your main task, the Shapefile to GeoJSON Converter gives that workflow a dedicated page. You can also open the exported file in the GeoJSON Viewer to validate the output as a standalone web map.
Do I need to install any GIS software?
No installation required. Our browser-based tool works on any modern device — desktop, tablet, or even mobile. Just open the page and upload your shapefile.
Understanding Shapefiles
Multi-File Format
A shapefile isn't actually a single file — it's a collection of related files that work together. The core components include:
- •.shp — Stores the geometric features themselves
- •.dbf — Contains attribute data for each feature
- •.shx — Index file linking geometry to attributes
- •.prj — Defines the coordinate system and projection
That's why for best results, we recommend uploading these files zipped together.
If your goal is to move ESRI shapefile data into a web map, use the Shapefile to GeoJSON Converter, then validate the exported file in the GeoJSON Viewer.
Vector Geometry
Shapefiles store vector data that represents real-world features using three fundamental geometry types:
- •Points — Single locations (e.g., cities, landmarks)
- •Lines — Linear features (e.g., roads, rivers, boundaries)
- •Polygons — Areas (e.g., countries, lakes, land parcels)
Each of these geometries can have multiple attributes attached — like names, populations, areas, or any custom data relevant to your analysis.
Industry Standard
Developed by ESRI, shapefiles became the de facto standard in GIS due to their simplicity and widespread adoption. They're used across industries for:
- •Urban planning and land management
- •Environmental monitoring and conservation
- •Transportation network analysis
- •Public health and demographic studies
- •Business intelligence and market analysis
Related tools
Shapefile to GeoJSON Converter
Convert .shp or zipped shapefile archives to GeoJSON locally.
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GeoJSON Viewer
Open exported GeoJSON files on an interactive map.
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GeoJSON to KML Converter
Convert exported GeoJSON to KML for Google Earth.
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KML to GeoJSON Converter
Convert Google Earth KML files into GeoJSON.
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