MapInfo Table .TAB File Description
Surfer imports MapInfo Table TAB vector map files. MapInfo Table TAB files define a table structure. When combined with the appropriate .MAP, .ID, and .DAT files, MapInfo TAB files can include geographic features such as points, lines, polygons, and text with attributes. Some feature style and color information is maintained when importing TAB files. The associated .MAP, .ID, and .DAT files must be in the same directory as the .TAB file to import the vector .TAB file.
MapInfo TAB files are also used to georeference raster images. For information about a georeferencing TAB file, see Export Options - Spatial References Page. A georeference TAB file cannot be loaded as a vector map.
File Structure
MapInfo TAB text files are the main file for a MapInfo table and include the table structure. MapInfo DAT binary files include attribute data. MapInfo MAP binary files store the geographic objects. MapInfo ID files link the geographic objects to graphic data.
Loading MapInfo TAB files
TAB vector map files can be loaded to create a base map (Home | New Map | Base) with the Import dialog. Select the TAB file to create the map. The directory must also include the .MAP, .ID, and .DAT associated files.
Import Options Dialog
No import options dialog is displayed.
Import Automation Options
No import options are available.
References:
MapInfo Dataset Format. Library of Congress. www.loc.gov
MapInfo TAB and MIF/MID. Geospatial Data Abstraction Library. www.gdal.org