# pyshp

Canonical: https://gisforweb.com/tools/pyshp/

Pure-Python library for reading and writing ESRI Shapefiles without GDAL.

pyshp reads and writes the ESRI Shapefile format (.shp, .shx, .dbf) in pure Python, with no compiled dependencies. That makes it a common choice in lightweight services and pipelines that need basic attribute and geometry access without pulling in GDAL. It is also the default reader behind GeoPandas' original I/O path.

## Details

- Type: library

- Categories: vector, data-processing

- Open source: Yes

- Pricing model: open-source

- License: MIT

- Platforms: web, linux, macos, windows

## Features

- Reads and writes Shapefile, SHX and DBF components

- Pure Python with no compiled extensions

- Reads from local files, URLs, zip archives and file-like objects

- Shape type selection when writing, including 3D and multipoint

- Encoding handling for DBF attribute tables

- Command-line tool for inspecting shapefile contents

## Project sources

- Website: https://github.com/GeospatialPython/pyshp

- Documentation: https://github.com/GeospatialPython/pyshp/wiki

- Repository: https://github.com/GeospatialPython/pyshp

Directory descriptions are summaries. Verify current capabilities and terms with the project sources.