Specifying the codepage of a shapefile

Codepages are used to convert 8-bit or multibyte characters stored in a shapefile database file (DBF) table to unicode characters, which ArcPad uses internally. This allows ArcPad to display the data in your shapefile table using the correct characters. ArcPad automatically recognizes a codepage of a shapefile if a supported Language Driver ID (LDID) is found in the header of the shapefile's DBF table (in the 29th byte). If the codepage is available on the system, it will be used to translate the attribute contents and field names into displayable characters.

In rare cases, your data may use a codepage that has an unsupported LDID. If you encounter this situation, you can create a layer definition file for your shapefile and set the codepage ID in the <LOCALE> element.

Setting the LDID of a DBF table

Steps:

1. Start ArcPad Studio.
2. Click the Tools menu and click Set DBF Codepage.
3. Navigate to the folder that contains the DBF with the codepage ID you want to set, click the DBF, and click Open.

   The DBF Codepage dialog box appears.

4. Click the desired codepage and click OK.

Adding a <LOCALE> element to a layer definition file

Steps:

1. Create or open a layer definition file.
2. Right-click the <LAYER> element in the Tree View.
3. Click Add Element.
4. Type LOCALE in the Element Name text box, and click OK.
5. Double-click the<LOCALE> element in the Tree View.
6. Type the codepage ID in the Codepage text box, and click OK.