shrug-l: Encrypting Shapefiles

[Mike Sims]

Hello All,
I know this is an old topic but has anyone tried VectorLock by eMap?
http://vectorlock.com/
According to their marketing materials this is an ArcGIS extension that controls the following aspects of shapefile behavior:
"Limit how long files can be used, Control user access and permissions, and Preserve the integrity of data"

There is even a free version!
I've worked with Brock McCarty over there for satellite image tasking and received excellent customer service. You should contact him, I'm sure he'll be able to tell you if this product will work for you. 


Mike Sims

PhD Candidate 
The Florida State University
Geography Department
Room 323 BEL
113 Collegiate Loop
PO Box 3062190
Tallahassee Fl 32306-2190
Phi1365-at-Gmail-dot-com





On Jun 14, 2011, at 9:54 AM, Keith Sandell wrote:

> Hey everyone,
>  
> I’ve gotten a number of responses concerning this and I sincerely appreciate everyone’s input.
>  
> It does not appear that encrypting, protecting, or make shapefiles read-only can be accomplished for perpetuity and also allow the shapefile to be used across industry software.
>  
> Because all the protection efforts are effectively on the outside of the file, either extension names, or file properties they can be accessed and changed by most people once received outside of a network where you can control security tightly.
>  
> And honestly locking shapefiles in this way is kind of contrary to the whole notion of sharing GIS data in the first place.
>  
> That’s what metadata, disclaimers and licensing are for…
>  
> Thanks again everyone.
>  
> Keith Sandell, MBA
> GIS Manager, Corporate Analytics
> Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
> -------------------------------------------------------
> ofc. 850.521.8341   |   cell 850.727.2897
>  
> From: shrug-l-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us [mailto:shrug-l-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Keith Sandell
> Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 8:37 AM
> To: shrug-l at lists.dep.state.fl.us
> Subject: shrug-l: Encrypting Shapefiles
>  
> Hey Shruggers,
>  
> Anyone have anything for this?
>  
> I’ve looked around for stuff on the net and ESRI’s site and the impression I get that while it may be possible the resulting shapefile would only be viewable in the package that encrypted it.
>  
> Basically I’m looking for a way to encrypt a shapefile that could be viewed in any industry GIS software that can read standard shapefiles, but not allow its geometry or attributes to be edited.
>  
> Can anyone shed some light on this for me?
>  
> Thanks
>  
> Keith Sandell, MBA
> GIS Manager, Corporate Analytics
> Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
> 2101 Maryland Circle, Tallahassee, Florida 32303
> -------------------------------------------------------
> ofc. 850.521.8341   |   cell 850.727.2897
>  
> "If we are to achieve results never before accomplished we must expect to employ methods never before attempted." - Francis Bacon
>  
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