SEED environmental data comes in many different formats - from PDFs and spreadsheets to specialist mapping files.
What you need depends on what you're trying to do:
- view data on a map
- download it for analysis, or
- connect it to other tools.
This page explains each format and software type, and how to access them. We'll cover:
- How to view available dataset formats
- In-built and free data software you can use SEED data with, and
- Different information formats
Disclaimer:
- Software product mentions on this page are not an endorsement from the Department of Planning and Environment or NSW Government.
- The use of some software listed here requires specialist skills. The NSW Government is not responsible for inaccurate conclusions drawn from improper use of software.
How to view available dataset information formats
From the dataset catalogue
Each dataset catalogue result card is tagged with the available formats for that dataset before you open it.
On a dataset page
Select the 'Access the data' tab on a dataset page to view an accordion of available resources. You can expand the results to learn more.
Similar resource formats are grouped together under the same heading.
For example, resources in spreadsheet or zip formats will appear under the heading 'Dataset Packages'. The headings that display will vary from dataset to dataset, depending on what has been provided by the data custodian.
Information formats
Not sure which format to use? The SEED Web Map or PDF previews are usually the easiest place to start. If you need support, contact us via our enquiry form.
- XLS/XLSX
- CSV
- DOC/DOCX
- URL/HTML/RSS
- JPEG
- ZIP
- SHP (shapefile)
- GeoTIFF
- KML/KMZ
- GeoJSON
- MBTiles
- MITAB
- LYR (layer file)
- SLD (styled layer descriptor)
- STYLE
- JPEG
- ZIP
- WMS (web map service)
- WFS (web feature service)
- WMTS (web map tile service)
- ArcGIS REST service
- JSON
- XML (Extensible Markup Language)
- TXT (plain text)
- MDB (Microsoft Access database)
Data software
SEED's own interactive map - view datasets spatially without downloading anything or installing software.
Use it on any dataset page, look for the 'Show on SEED Web Map' link or button.
A built-in viewer on each resource page that lets you preview documents and spreadsheets without downloading them.
To use it, click on any resource. If a preview is available, it'll load automatically in the page.
An external mapping platform linked from some SEED dataset pages;
To use it, click the Spatial Viewer link on the relevant dataset page (note: this takes you outside SEED).
Free, downloadable tools
A free, open-source mapping software that works with most spatial file formats on SEED.
Download it free from qgis.org - supports Shapefiles, GeoTIFF, WMS/WFS, and more.
A free tool for viewing geographic data on a 3D globe.
Download free from google.com/earth - used to open KML and KMZ files from SEED.
A tool for viewing MBTiles map files.
Available at maptiler.com - note that large files may require a paid plan.
A free viewer from Esri for exploring ArcGIS map files and web services.
Download free from esri.com.
Free software for viewing PDF documents.
Download free from adobe.com. Most browsers can also open PDFs without it.
Free tools from Microsoft for opening Excel and Word files without a full Office licence.
Available from microsoft.com.