Concentration Output Files

By default, ECHO-AIR will output a number of files related to the concentration calculations.

Concentration Maps

Concentration maps are generated labeled “[batch][run]_pm2.5_concentrations.png” and (when DPM is calculated) “[batch][run]_dpm_concentrations.png”

Concentration Shapefile

After each run, a folder named “shapes” will be generated, containing shapefiles labeled as “batch_run_detailed_concentration” with the following extensions: “.cpg”, “.dbf”, “.prj”, “.shp”, and “.shx”. If the user enables the DETAILED_CONC option, then the concentrations output will contain speciated concentration data. Concentration shapefiles will include columns for PM2.5 and DPM (when enabled).

Each extension serves a specific purpose:

  • .shp (Shapefile):
    • This file contains the spatial data’s geometry (points, lines, or polygons).
  • .shx (Shape Index):
    • This file stores an index of the feature geometry for faster access.
  • .dbf (dBASE Table):
    • This file is a database that stores attribute data associated with the shapes.
  • .prj (Projection File):
    • This file holds information about the coordinate system and projection used.
  • .cpg (Code Page File):
    • This file specifies the character encoding used in the attribute data.

These files collectively comprise a shapefile, storing both spatial and attribute data, and providing necessary information for spatial analysis and visualization.