FAQ
OSM to SHP Conversion
What are OSM files?
OSM is an XML file with map data from OpenStreetMap, the free map of the world that is created and edited by volunteers. Everything on this map, from roads and rivers to buildings, shops, and benches, is stored in the file as a set of points, chains of points, and groups of objects, each with descriptive labels such as the name of a street, the type of road, or the opening hours of a cafe. People download such files for a chosen area to edit the map, to study it, to build routing and navigation tools, or to make their own maps. The data are open and are released under the Open Database License, which requires attribution to OpenStreetMap and its contributors.
What are SHP files?
The SHP (Shapefile) format stores vector files compatible with various Geographical Information System (GIS) software. SHP was developed by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), an American provider of GIS software and geodatabase management solutions, with the aim of improving interoperability between GIS software produced by ESRI and other developers. An SHP file usually contains vectorial descriptions of geospatial data (e.g. rivers, lakes), including specific attributes.
Can reaConverter convert OSM to SHP?
Yes! reaConverter instantly converts .osm to .shp with perfect quality preservation. With its batch processing feature, you can convert multiple files at once in just a few clicks. You can even convert images directly from Windows Explorer using the right-click menu — fast and convenient.
What is reaConverter used for?
reaConverter is a Windows converter for 800+ formats, GIS data among them. For OSM to SHP it replaces the usual detour through QGIS, ArcGIS or ogr2ogr: add the files, pick the output format, and the whole batch converts offline. Surveyors, planners and engineering teams use it to pass data between GIS, CAD and everyday document formats.
Why choose offline conversion with reaConverter?
reaConverter is a software program that is used for offline files conversion. Your proprietary documents never leave your computer – essential for architects, engineers, healthcare and government contractors handling classified projects. Meets GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and corporate security policies by ensuring files never cross borders or third-party systems.
Can I convert OSM to SHP online?
If you only need to convert a few OSM files to SHP format, feel free to try our free online free online OSM to SHP converter — perfect for small batches with no installation needed!
How can I turn OSM files into SHP on my computer?
The best way to change OSMs to SHPs on your PC is to install a quality piece of software, such as reaConverter. This software is extremely efficient in managing a wide range of batch files conversions, including conversion from OSM to SHP.
How can I automate OSM to SHP files conversion?
reaConverter supports all the most useful automation features such as right-click сonversion and Watch Folders for the most efficient automated files conversion in any software of this type.
Is there a way to convert OSM files to SHP using the command prompt?
reaConverter provides full access to all its features via Windows command line, including a high-performance command-line osm to shp converter for batch processing.
What else can I do with reaConverter?
Convert whole-slide imagesResize picturesConvert GIS filesConvert RAW filesTrace images to vector
Related conversions
Other ways to convert OSM files, and other sources that convert to SHP.
