.NMC File Extension
What is an NMC file?
The ‘.NMC file extension’ is primarily associated with ArcGIS Explorer, a geospatial data exploration and visualization tool developed by Esri.
ArcGIS Explorer allows users to view, analyze, and manage geographic information through various map layers, tools, and functionalities.
The ‘.NMC file’ serves as a container for map content within the application, encapsulating layers, styles, and other related settings necessary for displaying geographic data.
More Information.
ArcGIS Explorer was first launched in 2007, initially as a desktop application and later evolving into web and mobile versions.
The ‘.NMC file’ format was designed to store configurations of maps, layers, symbols, and spatial bookmarks that users could save and share.
This allowed for the creation of custom maps tailored to specific needs, facilitating easier collaboration and data exchange among users of ArcGIS Explorer.
Origin Of This File.
The ‘.NMC file format’ was introduced alongside ArcGIS Explorer, which itself emerged as a part of Esri’s suite of GIS (Geographic Information System) tools.
Released to provide a more user-friendly and accessible interface for exploring geospatial data, ArcGIS Explorer aimed to democratize GIS capabilities beyond traditional GIS professionals to a broader audience including researchers, educators, and decision-makers.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The structure of an ‘.NMC file’ is typically XML-based, utilizing tags to define various components of the map content. Key elements often include:
- Layers: Information about each layer such as data source, symbology, and visibility settings.
- Styles: Definitions of how features and symbols are represented on the map.
- Spatial Bookmarks: Named locations or extents within the map that users can navigate to quickly.
- Application Settings: Preferences and configurations specific to ArcGIS Explorer.
These components together define the appearance and behavior of the map when loaded into ArcGIS Explorer, offering a comprehensive representation of spatial data.
How to Convert the File?
Converting ‘.NMC files’ to other formats often involve exporting data from ArcGIS Explorer into standard GIS formats like Shapefile (SHP), GeoJSON, or KML (Keyhole Markup Language). This process typically requires:
- Opening the ‘.NMC file’ in ArcGIS Explorer.
- Exporting layers or the entire map to the desired format through the application’s export functionalities.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Ease of Use: Simplifies the process of creating and sharing customized maps.
- Interoperability: Compatible with various GIS data formats, enhancing integration with other GIS tools.
- Visualization: Enables rich visualization capabilities including layer control and thematic mapping.
Disadvantages:
- Dependency: Restricted to use within ArcGIS Explorer, limiting direct interoperability with other GIS software without conversion.
- Complexity: Advanced customization may require familiarity with XML and ArcGIS Explorer’s configuration options.
How to Open NMC?
Open In Windows
- Double-clicking the ‘.NMC file’ should automatically launch ArcGIS Explorer if installed, or right-clicking to select ArcGIS Explorer as the default application.
Open In Linux
- Similar to macOS, due to ArcGIS Explorer’s Windows compatibility, users may need to use alternative GIS software capable of opening or converting ‘.NMC files’.
Open In MAC
- ArcGIS Explorer is primarily available for Windows; alternative GIS applications compatible with macOS may be required for file conversion or viewing.
