arv

.arv — ArcView GIS Polygon

Esri · 1990s

Developer

Esri

Key Features

Stores polygon (area) geographic data.
Used in conjunction with ArcView GIS projects.
Contains spatial coordinates and attribute information.
Part of a proprietary data structure.

Best For

Working with existing ArcView GIS map projects.
Storing and retrieving polygon geographic features for specific areas.
Maintaining legacy GIS data from older Esri software.

Less Ideal For

Modern cross-platform GIS data sharing.
Storing raster (image-based) geographic data.
Creating new GIS projects from scratch.
Web-based mapping applications.

Common Use Cases

Defining land parcels or administrative boundaries in older GIS projects.
Representing areas of interest for spatial analysis.
Storing historical geographic data from ArcView projects.
Visualizing specific regions on a map layer.

How to Open It

Open the associated ArcView GIS project file in which the .arv file is used.
ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Desktop can often import or convert data from older ArcView formats.
Use GIS software that supports legacy Esri data formats for viewing or conversion.

What is a .arv file?

The .arv file extension is typically associated with ArcView GIS, a desktop geographic information system software developed by Esri. These files store geographic data, often representing polygons or shapes that define areas on a map. They are part of a larger project structure and contain topological information and attributes related to spatial features. While not a standalone format, .arv files are crucial components for viewing and editing specific map layers within ArcView projects. Understanding their role is key for anyone working with legacy GIS data from this platform.

Programs That Open .arv Files

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

How to Convert .arv Files

Format	Method
.SHAPEFILE (.SHP)	ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Desktop, GDAL
.GEOJSON	ArcGIS Pro, GDAL

Common Problems with .arv Files

⚠️ Cannot open .arv file directly.

.arv files are components of larger ArcView projects and need to be opened within the project context or imported into modern GIS software.

⚠️ Data appears corrupted or incomplete.

Ensure all related ArcView project files (.apr, .avp, etc.) are present and in the same directory. Try re-importing the data into a newer GIS application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an .arv file with any GIS software?▼

While some modern GIS software, particularly Esri's ArcGIS products, can import or read data from .arv files, they are not typically opened directly as standalone files by most generic viewers.

What is the difference between .arv and .shp files?▼

.arv files are specific to older ArcView projects and typically store polygon data, while .shp (Shapefile) is a more widely adopted and versatile vector data format also developed by Esri but used across many GIS platforms.

Technical Details

.arv files are binary files that store vector data, specifically polygon features, used within ArcView GIS projects. They are part of a proprietary format and work in conjunction with other project files to define geographic maps. The data structure includes spatial coordinates and associated attribute tables for each polygon.

Did You Know?

The .arv extension is less common now as Esri has moved to more universal formats like Shapefiles and Geodatabases.

These files were an integral part of defining geographic areas within interactive map applications in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Security Information

As a proprietary binary format associated with GIS software, .arv files themselves are generally not vectors for malware. However, always ensure you are obtaining GIS project files from trusted sources to avoid potential risks associated with compromised software or data integrity.