3p2

.3p2 — 3-Plane Data File

Esri · 1990s

Developer

Esri

Key Features

Stores 3-dimensional geographic data.
Primarily used for elevation and terrain models.
Proprietary format developed by Esri.
Optimized for GIS analysis and visualization.

Best For

Storing detailed elevation data for GIS analysis.
Creating 3D terrain visualizations.
Interoperability within the Esri GIS ecosystem.

Less Ideal For

General 3D modeling and animation.
Web-based 3D viewing.
Sharing data with non-GIS users.
Archiving data in an open, universally compatible format.

Common Use Cases

Representing digital elevation models (DEMs).
Storing 3D city models.
Visualizing geological formations in 3D.
Analyzing terrain and surface properties.

How to Open It

Open .3p2 files directly within Esri's ArcGIS Pro or ArcMap software.
Use the 'Add Data' function in ArcGIS to load the file into a map or scene.
Consider converting the data to a more common GIS format like GeoTIFF or shapefile if direct use in other software is required.

What is a .3p2 file?

A .3p2 file is a specialized data format used primarily within Esri's Geographic Information System (GIS) software. It stores 3-dimensional spatial data, often representing terrain models, elevation data, or other geographic features in a three-dimensional space. This format is designed to be used by GIS professionals for detailed spatial analysis and visualization. Because it's proprietary and tied to specific software, it's not commonly encountered outside of GIS workflows.

Programs That Open .3p2 Files

Platform	Program
Windows	ArcGIS Pro	Paid	Official
	ArcMap	Paid	Official
macOS	ArcGIS Pro	Paid	Official

How to Convert .3p2 Files

Format	Method
.GEOTIFF	ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap
.SHAPEFILE	ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap

Common Problems with .3p2 Files

⚠️ Cannot open .3p2 file outside of Esri software.

Convert the .3p2 file to a more universally compatible GIS format like GeoTIFF or shapefile using ArcGIS tools, or explore specialized GIS conversion utilities.

⚠️ File is large and slow to load.

Ensure your system meets the recommended specifications for running GIS software, or consider simplifying or generalizing the data if exact precision is not critical for the current task.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of a .3p2 file?▼

The primary purpose of a .3p2 file is to store three-dimensional geographic data, such as elevation models or terrain surfaces, for use within Esri's GIS software.

Can I open .3p2 files on my phone?▼

Typically, no. .3p2 files are specialized GIS data and usually require desktop GIS applications like ArcGIS Pro or ArcMap to open and view them.

Is .3p2 an open standard format?▼

No, the .3p2 format is proprietary to Esri and is not considered an open standard, meaning it is primarily used within the Esri software ecosystem.

Technical Details

The .3p2 format is a binary file structure developed by Esri to store 3D geographic data. It contains information about vertices, faces, and potentially other attributes that define a 3D surface or object within a GIS environment. Its binary nature allows for efficient storage and retrieval of complex geometric information.

Did You Know?

The '3p' in .3p2 likely refers to '3-Plane' or '3-Dimensional Plane' data.

This format is part of a suite of Esri's specialized data formats for handling complex geographic information.

Security Information

As a binary data file used in professional GIS software, .3p2 files themselves are generally not associated with common security threats like malware. However, always ensure you download files from trusted sources and that your GIS software is up-to-date to mitigate any potential vulnerabilities.