shp2pgsql

Using shp2pgsql

GeoHelm enables shp2pgsql as part of the installation process.

shp2pgsql allows you to import ESRI shape files into a PostGIS enabled database.

You have two options for loading ESRI shape files:

1. Load using the Shape File Loader in the Enterprise Dashboard.

2. Load using command line.

Both options are shown below.

Using The shp2pgsql GUI:

Navigate to AcuGIS Enterprise Suite > Shape Loader

Select the load options as show below.

Also select if load will be into a new Schema and, in the case of New Table creation, the table name to be created.

Click the Load button.

Using Comamnd Line

shp2pgsql usage can be found using the 'shp2pgsl' command:

root@geohelm:~# shp2pgsql
RELEASE: 2.3.2 (r15302)
USAGE: shp2pgsql [<options>] <shapefile> [[<schema>.]<table>]
OPTIONS:
  -s [<from>:]<srid> Set the SRID field. Defaults to 0.
      Optionally reprojects from given SRID (cannot be used with -D).
 (-d|a|c|p) These are mutually exclusive options:
     -d  Drops the table, then recreates it and populates
         it with current shape file data.
     -a  Appends shape file into current table, must be
         exactly the same table schema.
     -c  Creates a new table and populates it, this is the
         default if you do not specify any options.
     -p  Prepare mode, only creates the table.
  -g <geocolumn> Specify the name of the geometry/geography column
      (mostly useful in append mode).
  -D  Use postgresql dump format (defaults to SQL insert statements).
  -e  Execute each statement individually, do not use a transaction.
      Not compatible with -D.
  -G  Use geography type (requires lon/lat data or -s to reproject).
  -k  Keep postgresql identifiers case.
  -i  Use int4 type for all integer dbf fields.
  -I  Create a spatial index on the geocolumn.
  -m <filename>  Specify a file containing a set of mappings of (long) column
     names to 10 character DBF column names. The content of the file is one or
     more lines of two names separated by white space and no trailing or
     leading space. For example:
         COLUMNNAME DBFFIELD1
         AVERYLONGCOLUMNNAME DBFFIELD2
  -S  Generate simple geometries instead of MULTI geometries.
  -t <dimensionality> Force geometry to be one of '2D', '3DZ', '3DM', or '4D'
  -w  Output WKT instead of WKB.  Note that this can result in
      coordinate drift.
  -W <encoding> Specify the character encoding of Shape's
      attribute column. (default: "UTF-8")
  -N <policy> NULL geometries handling policy (insert*,skip,abort).
  -n  Only import DBF file.
  -T <tablespace> Specify the tablespace for the new table.
      Note that indexes will still use the default tablespace unless the
      -X flag is also used.
  -X <tablespace> Specify the tablespace for the table's indexes.
      This applies to the primary key, and the spatial index if
      the -I flag is used.
  -?  Display this help screen.

  An argument of `--' disables further option processing.
  (useful for unusual file names starting with '-')
root@geohelm:~#

Troubleshooting:

If the above commands produce 'shp2pgsql command not found', do the following:

On Debian or Ubuntu:

root@geohelm:~# apt-get install postgis

On CentOS

root@geohelm:~# yum install postgis2_96-client

On Fedora

root@geohelm:~# dnf install postgis2_96-client

Below are excellent resources to get started with ogr2ogr and gdal_translate:

Refractions Documentation

Boston GIS shp2pgsql CheatSheet

Next: Read the manual or jump to component pages below.

AES Home Page

Tomcat Config Page

Tomcat WARs Page

Java Page

GeoServer Page

PostgreSQL Page

Important Be sure to also view the sections below:

Securing Your Installation

Moving the GeoServer Data Directory

Command Line Usage

Next Up: End User Guid

Virtualmin End User Guide