shape file in UTF-8

meetirfan

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May 12, 2011, 9:29:13 AM5/12/11

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hi

I am using python 2.6.5

Currently i my Changing a Shapefile's Type(http://
geospatialpython.com/) from polygon to polyline.

My question is if i have UTF-8 encoded Shapefile, then it is possible
that out dbf can be encoded in UTF-8.

Just for reference, each of Shapefile contains a CPG file(http://
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shapefile) which include the encoding system of
dbf.

regards.

iRfAn

景标

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May 15, 2011, 9:55:01 PM5/15/11

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你好：
       很高兴收到你的邮件！
      But I'm sorry! I don't know how to answer your question!
      Because I learned the Shapefile only a few days.

regards

Dennis Follensbee Jr.

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May 19, 2011, 9:54:48 AM5/19/11

to Geospatial Python

Do you mean storing utf-8 characters in a DBF? You can absolutely
store utf-8 characters in a DBF. The process is a little obscure, as
ESRI has docs buried online. I know this doc refers to ArcPad, but it
applies to ArcGIS as well.

http://webhelp.esri.com/arcpad/8.0/referenceguide/index.htm#locales/concept_local.htm

When using utf-8 text and shape files, be sure to wipe out the LDID
(29th byte) in the DBF header, and make a text codepage file .cpg,
with the text

UTF-8

Dennis

Irfan Latif

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May 19, 2011, 10:01:32 AM5/19/11

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OK that is a nice tip, i have to try.

For CPG i think this technical article from ESRI is also a good
resource for understanding.