Any GIS experts? Shape file question

[promposive]

I have a shape file including these files: prj, shp, shx, dbf.
I know the projection it is in (hence the prj file)
How the heck do I reproject it so that I can get a lat/long that can be used in google earth/maps/etc..?

 

[Chaotic42]

-Get the shape file and load it into ArcGIS using the "Add Data" button. You could also drag it in from Windows Explorer/Arc Catalog
-If your data is in a geographic projection, you should get a coordinate readout along the bottom which is in geographics. If your data is in something else, right click on your dataframe in the Table of Contents (it will just be called "Layers"). Choose "Properties" and then the "General" tab. There should be a drop down menu for display units. Choose DMS (or whatever it is you want).
-If ArcGIS can't project your data it will let you know, but you seem to have projection files there, given the extention list you gave.

LMK how it turns out.

Edit: I should note that you don't *have* to reproject it just to get the coordinate readout in a different set of units. If you do need to reproject it,

-Open ArcToolBox (the red toolbox thing)
-Search for "project"
-Click on the "Project" tool
-Fill out the appropriate fields

Like I said, you shouldn't have to reproject it just to get a coordinate readout.

 

[promposive]

Know of any free alternative to arcgis? Seems my eval version has expired and has issues with vista

May try reinstalling the evaluation tomorrow on an xp machine, not sure if the same eval key can be used twice though.

 

[Chaotic42]

Global Mapper may support shape files and it has free trials. GRASS probably supports them, but I've never used it.

 

[IronWing]

You can use DNRGarmin to read shapefiles and save them to KML format for use with Google Earth. The method is limited but works for most shape files. You will lose the attributes but keep the shapes (points, lines, polygons). DNRGarmin doesn't handle donuts too well. Be sure to set the projection in DNRGarmin to match your shape files. It is free software.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mis...RGarmin/DNRGarmin.html

 

[bunker]

And if you can't afford a $3000 software license for ArcGIS desktop, you can load the shapefile up in ArcGIS Explorer and get a lat/long that way as well.

ArcGIS Explorer is the freebie from ESRI.

 

[promposive]

Finally got ArcGIS running on an xp machine. When I set the display units to Decimal Degrees, the coordinates at the bottom of the screen are nowhere near correct, it was about as wide as from Mississippi river to Virginia, when it really is just 1 city.
I did however export it to kmz file and was able to open it in google earth just fine without having to do any kind of projections or anything...