.MSD File Extension

Map Service Definition File

Developer	ESRI
Popularity	Average rating 3.6 / 5. Vote count: 5
Category	GIS Files
Format	.MSD
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an MSD file?

The .MSD file is used by Esri’s ArcGIS Server to define and serve map services. It encapsulates information about how geographic data is organized and made available for use over the web or within a GIS (Geographic Information System) environment.

More Information.

The .MSD format was introduced to streamline the process of serving map data over the web. It provides a structured way to define how GIS data should be accessed and displayed, making it easier to share and integrate spatial information across different platforms.

Origin Of This File.

Esri developed the .MSD file format as part of its ArcGIS Server technology, which allows organizations to publish maps and geographic information as web services.

File Structure Technical Specification.

The .MSD file typically includes:

Map Service Information: Metadata about the map service, including its name, description, and spatial reference system.
Layer Definitions: Information about each layer in the map service, including symbology, labeling, and data sources.
Map Cache Settings: Parameters for creating and serving map caches, which improve performance by pre-rendering map images at multiple scales.
Service Properties: Configuration settings for how the map service responds to requests, such as scale limits, image formats, and security settings.

How to Convert the File?

Windows

ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro:
- Open the .MSD file in ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro.
- Use the export tools within ArcGIS to convert to other GIS formats like .MXD (Map Document), .SHP (shapefile), or web services formats.

Linux

QGIS:
- Install QGIS, an open-source GIS software available for Linux.
- Use QGIS to open the .MSD file and then export it to various GIS formats supported by QGIS.

Mac

ArcGIS Desktop (via virtual machines):
- Install ArcGIS Desktop on a Windows virtual machine running on your Mac.
- Open the .MSD file within ArcGIS and use its export capabilities.
QGIS:
- Install QGIS for Mac.
- Open the .MSD file in QGIS and export it to compatible GIS formats.

Android

Mobile GIS Applications:
- Use mobile GIS apps like “ArcGIS Collector” or “QField for QGIS” that support opening and exporting GIS data.
- Import the .MSD file into the app and convert it to formats suitable for mobile use, like GeoJSON or KML.

iOS

Mobile GIS Applications:
- Similar to Android, use apps like “ArcGIS Collector” or “QField for QGIS” on iOS devices.
- Import the .MSD file into the app and convert it to formats like GeoJSON or KML.

Others (General Platforms)

Web-Based GIS Tools:
- Utilize online GIS platforms like ArcGIS Online or Google Earth Engine.
- Upload the .MSD file to these platforms and convert it to various web-compatible GIS formats.
Custom Software Solutions:
- Develop or use custom GIS software solutions that support .MSD file conversion to required formats.
- Implement APIs or SDKs provided by GIS software vendors for automated conversion processes.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Facilitates sharing of GIS data and maps across different platforms.
Supports efficient map rendering and caching for improved performance.
Enables integration with web applications and other GIS software through standardized web service protocols.

Disadvantages:

Requires Esri’s ArcGIS Server or compatible software to fully utilize and serve .MSD files.
Can be complex to configure and maintain for large-scale deployments.
May require significant computing resources to generate and serve map caches.