shp2dta error: invalid dBASE data type

[Andrew Chan]

Hi,

I'm running Stata 15 and trying to use the user-written command shp2dta on a Macbook.

Suppose the data is saved in folder "Maps". I have changed the working directory to this folder---which I confirmed by listing the folders of the working directory. I then follow the shp2dta syntax as specified but I keep getting an error message as follows.

cd "Maps"
shp2dta using "DCW_countries", data("DCW_data")  coor("DCW_coordinates") replace
type: 5
DCW_countries.dbf: invalid dBASE data type
r(610);

The file "DCW_coordinates.dta" is successfully created, but not the "DCW_data.dta" file.

I'm confused what to do with an "invalid dBASE data type" error and I cannot find a solution online.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Andrew Chan]

One last plea for help.

I have checked the data and the shape file loads into ArcGIS no problem. The exact same error message results in Stata when trying other datasets as well. I am almost certain the problem is not with the data itself.

If anyone has any experience using shp2dta I would be very grateful for some assistance.

[Robert Picard]

Since you are using Stata 15, try the new spshape2dta command to see if that works.

[Andrew Chan]

I appreciate you bringing spshape2dta to my attention, Robert. It worked!

[Walid Merouani]

Hello,

I had the same pb and spshape2dta has worked. however, it provide the X and Y coordinate in the same dta file. How can I convert the below script given that I don't have a separate file for coordinates:

spmap shdi2022 using PSE_coordinates, id(id)

Many thanks for your assitance

[Walid Merouani]

please ignore my previous question as I have found a solution.