File Extension Database

Open KAP File

KAP files, also known as BSB or RNC files, are raster-based nautical chart images mainly used for marine navigation. These files are produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other organizations worldwide. However, KAP files can have other applications as well, including the HMI and PTI vector data files. In this article, we explore the different formats and ways to open and use KAP file extensions.

NOAA Raster Navigational Charts (RNC)

The main use of KAP files is for raster navigational charts. These can be opened and used with a variety of map viewer applications and GIS programs. A commonly used software is OpenCPN, which is a free and open-source chart plotter and navigation software available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It supports various chart formats, including KAP files. You can download and install OpenCPN from their official website https://opencpn.org.

HMI Human-Machine Interface Data Files

KAP files can also be used to store human-machine interface (HMI) data files, which represent various machine states and parameters used in industrial automation systems. These files can be opened with specialized HMI applications like C-more HMI programming software by AutomationDirect. To learn more about C-more HMI software and how to use it with KAP files, visit the AutomationDirect website https://www.automationdirect.com.

PTI Power Technology Integration Data Files

In some cases, KAP files are used for PTI data files, holding power technology integration information for electrical systems and power engineering applications. These files can be opened and edited using professional power system analysis and simulation tools like PSS SINCAL, developed by Siemens. To know more about PSS SINCAL and its compatibility with KAP files, visit Siemens Energy's official website https://www.siemens-energy.com/global/en/offerings/power-transmission/pss-software/pss-sincal.html.

KAP File Important Information

KAP files are versatile and used for a variety of purposes, mainly for raster navigational charts and to a lesser extent for HMI and PTI data files. To use KAP files effectively, it is essential to identify their contents and choose the appropriate application for opening and editing them. Understanding their intended use and the various software options available is crucial to working with KAP files successfully.

How Can I Open KAP File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open KAP file is to find a KAP file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a KAP file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open KAP file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as KAP file opener then try to search online for "KAP viewer", "application to open KAP file" or "open KAP file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open KAP file

How Can I Open KAP File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a KAP file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a KAP file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with KAP file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as KAP file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open KAP file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open KAP file then try to search for "KAP viewer", "application to open KAP file" or "read KAP file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read KAP file

How Can I Open KAP File on Android

If you downloaded a KAP file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded KAP file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "KAP".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "KAP viewer", "KAP file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open KAP File on iPhone or iPad

To open KAP File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the KAP file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "KAP". This way you can find apps which can open KAP files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "KAP viewer" or "KAP file" online in your favorite search engine.

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