Understanding proj4, epsg and esri *.prj in depth?

What does EPSG mean in GIS?

European Petroleum Survey Group

Answer. EPSG stands for European Petroleum Survey Group. They publish a database of coordinate system information plus some very good related documents on map projections and datums. The Projection Engine uses a modified version of the EPSG model.

What is PRJ file format in Esri shapefile?

Sometimes, a shapefile will have other associated files including: . prj : the file that contains information on projection format including the coordinate system and projection information. It is a plain text file describing the projection using well-known text ( WKT ) format.
 

What is a Proj 4 string?

A PROJ. 4 string identifies and defines a particular CRS. The string holds the parameters (e.g., units, datum) of a given CRS.

How do I use a PRJ file?

The Windows File context menu will display all installed programs capable of opening a PRJ file.

1. Right-click on the file with the “. PRJ” extension.
2. Click “Open With” on the context menu. A list of available programs is displayed.
3. Click the program link for the application that created the PRJ file.

What are 2 types of coordinate reference systems?

There are two different types of coordinate reference systems: Geographic Coordinate Systems and Projected Coordinate Systems.

What is EPSG for WGS84?

The WGS84 Coordinate Systems adds Greenwich as the starting point (prime meridian) for the longitude (0°) and sets the units in degrees (°). This coordinate system also has a unique reference code, the so-called EPSG code, which is 4326.
 

What is the purpose of the .PRJ file?

A file with the PRJ extension has become the industry standard for containing information related to a coordinate system. This PRJ file contains a projected coordinate system. It begins with a name for the projected coordinate system. Then it describes the geographic coordinate system.

What is a proj file?

Project File Naming Conventions



Use the . proj extension when you create a project file that builds projects. Use the . targets extension when you create a reusable project file to import into other project files.
 

How do you make a shapefile PRJ?

The Projection Utility method:

1. Click Start > Programs > Esri > ArcView GIS 3.2 > Projection Utility.
2. Click Browse and select one or more shapefiles.
3. Click Next.
4. Select creation of . prj files.

What is meant by EPSG code?

European Petroleum Survey Group

Modified on: Thu, 6 Oct, 2022 at 8:05 PM. EPSG stands for European Petroleum Survey Group and is an organization that maintains a geodetic parameter database with standard codes, the EPSG codes, for coordinate systems, datums, spheroids, units and such alike.

Is EPSG 4326 the same as WGS84?

4326 is just the EPSG identifier of WGS84. WGS84 comprises a standard coordinate frame for the Earth, a datum/reference ellipsoid for raw altitude data.
 

What is EPSG coordinate code?

EPSG-Codes and coordinate system