S57 File Extension

What is S57 file?

Full format name of files that use S57 extension is International Hydrographic Organization Vector Image. Files with S57 extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with S57 extension are categorized as Graphic Files files. The Graphic Files subset comprises 524 various file formats. The software recommended for managing S57 files is ArcView. Software named ArcView was created by Esri. In order to find more detailed information on the software and S57 files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support S57 file extension

Programs that can handle S57 files are as follows. Files with S57 extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with S57 extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening S57 files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with S57 extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the ArcView

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening S57 files is that no program that can handle S57 files is installed on user’s system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download ArcView and install it on your device. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support S57 files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit ArcView website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of ArcView

You still cannot access S57 files although ArcView is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of ArcView installed, it may not support S57 format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using ArcView.

Step 3. Associate International Hydrographic Organization Vector Image files with ArcView

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate S57 files with latest version of ArcView you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the S57 with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where ArcView is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open S57 files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the S57 file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select ArcView and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with S57 extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the S57 is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper S57 file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the S57 in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the S57 is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. S57 file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the S57 file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the S57 file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with S57 extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the International Hydrographic Organization Vector Image file.

4. Check whether your system can handle ArcView

If the systems has insufficient resources to open S57 files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with International Hydrographic Organization Vector Image files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with S57 files affecting older versions of given software.

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