shapefileban
Shapefileban is a term used in GIS policy discourse to describe policies that prohibit the use, distribution, or exchange of ESRI Shapefile data formats in certain contexts. The term is not an official standard but a shorthand for evolving governance practices that favor modern, open, or more robust geospatial data formats.
Origins: The concept emerged as organizations faced limitations of the Shapefile format (separate files, limited attribute
Mechanisms: Shapefileban is implemented through procurement policy, data-sharing agreements, portal upload restrictions, or licensing terms that
Impact: Policy makers say it improves data interoperability and future-proofing; critics warn of burdens on legacy
See also: Geographic Information System formats, GeoPackage, GeoJSON, Open data policies, data formats.