How can I import GIS shape(.shp) files into Unreal Engine

Development World Creation
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1

I am trying to figure out a way to import a .shp (Shape file) into an unreal project as a the base landscape for the game.

Has anyone done this?

What should I convert to file to?

What software should I use to convert it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

2

Hi!

I’ve done exactly that about six years ago in Ogre3D with C++. Now I’m about to port it into UE4. Will tell you when I’m finished. By now, you can look my source code [here][1] (look for the functions drawLevel4 and readLevel4Rec.

3

If you’re still looking, there are now some plugin tools to UE4 tools to help you use ESRI shapefiles and OpenStreetMap data to create things like landscape splines for roads and rail etc… www.terraformpro.com

4

I’m not sure this sources whether is effective. Isara docs - Shapefile Reader

5

Hi all,

Recently I published a procedure to import SHP files into Unreal Engine. Here you have a link to the paper:

(PDF) A method for importing and drawing SHP files in Unreal Engine (researchgate.net)

Basically, it explains how to use the mentioned external plug-in from Isara, transfer the SHP information into Struct arrays and then how to draw lines and points in 3D in Unreal.

I hope this helps.
David - Gnomusy