What are GIS Files?

The GIS file format, also know as the Geographic Information Systems file type, is used to store geographical information in a standard encoded format. It is mostly used to store files related to GPS devices and mapping software.

Geographical data is saved in the form of vectors, not pixels, which is comprised of vertices and paths. This geospatial data is then stored in a variety of GIS file formats. This file format is primarily used by government mapping agencies and GIS developers.

Popular GIS File Extensions

GST — Format: Unknown
Developed by MapInfo Corporation for their geographic information system software, the “GST” or MapInfo Geoset File format contains data in the form of a visual map. It can also contain data about locations within the mapped area, including extra layers like rasterized images.
APL — Format: Text and Binary
A “.APL” File is used by Monkey's Audio, an algorithm and file format for lossless audio data compression. The file contains information (metadata) about the audio track, and its start and end locations. It can also be used to store other additional details like the names of the artist, album, song, etc.

Top GIS File Extensions

File Extension	Total Number of Files	Oldest File (Date)	Latest File (Date)
APL	32	M1033DSK.APL (09/18/2006)	PhotoshopAdapter.apl (10/25/2019)
RESP	1	viewedids.resp (04/24/2017)	viewedids.resp (04/24/2017)
GST	9	EUROPE.GST (05/10/2017)	substitutions.gst (10/17/2019)

What are GIS Files?

Popular GIS File Extensions

File Database Breakdown - GIS File Extensions

Top GIS File Extensions