Mapinfo .tab to ArcGIS .shp: why is the coordinate/projection still screwed up?

[nrschmid]

I have township data in a .tab file, which appear "square-like" in
MapInfo. The mapper window states that the projection is LAT/LONG,
NAD83. I use the Universal Translator to convert this .tab file into
a shapefile for ArcGIS but it still appears as a rectangle. How can I
fix this? Does it have to be done in MapInfo or ArcView? Should I
save out the .tab file in MapInfo with a new projection and THEN use
Universal Translator? Should I do something entirely different?

Thanks-

[KTG Infotech]

You get what you have, if its square in tab, it wouldn't be somethng different in esri, it will look still a square there also..

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Kalai Selvan
KTG Infotech
CAD/GIS/Geo spatial Services
Skypes- ktgcad

[David R Sherrod]

You have chosen a geographic coordinate system, nonprojected.  Mapinfo projects your data using the Plate Carree as a default projection.  When you ship the data over to the ESRI house, they use a different default and the likely cause of your disappointment.

You can resolve this by choosing to store your data in a projected scheme.  If the map area isn't too extensive, you could use UTM (appropriate zone).  If the data is of statewide extent or greater (national), then you should use another projection to avoid distortion.

If stored in a named projection and opened in the same projection, then your shapes will have the same aspect regardless of the software used.  But if you leave the decision to DEFAULT, then you'll get the distortion you described.  Well, apparent distortion.  The projections are doing exactly what they are supposed to do.

-----------------------------------------

-----mapi...@googlegroups.com wrote: -----

To: MapInfo-L <mapi...@googlegroups.com>
From: nrschmid <nickrs...@gmail.com>
Sent by: mapi...@googlegroups.com
Date: 02/13/2012 09:04PM
Subject: [MI-L] Mapinfo .tab to ArcGIS .shp: why is the coordinate/projection still screwed up?

[crui...@verizon.net]

1. check for a .prj file in the shapefile 'package" if no, then this a be your problem. the .prj stores the file proetion system.

2. if yes, pen the .prj file in a text editor and check the cordsts/projection information

[Andy Harfoot]

Google is your friend!

How MapInfo does it (Equirectangular?):
http://www.mail-archive.com/mapi...@lists.directionsmag.com/msg07683.html

This may be further complicated by the effect described here:
http://testdrive.mapinfo.com/TECHSUPP/MIPROD.NSF/0/4c389f64766f7b5c85256b6700595b64?OpenDocument


How ArcGIS does it (modified Plate Carree):
http://forums.arcgis.com/threads/45941-Basic-geographic-projected-data-question-...


Andy

-- 
Andy Harfoot

GeoData Institute
University of Southampton
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Tel:  +44 (0)23 8059 2719
Fax:  +44 (0)23 8059 2849

www.geodata.soton.ac.uk