LOC files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: GPS Location File
A file with .loc extension contains geospatial locations as waypoints. A waypoint is a latitude-longitude pair referring to a location. GPS mapping programs like DeLorme Topo use LOC files to display ...
General Information
| Title | .LOC File Extension |
| Extension | .loc |
| Full Form | GPS Location File |
| File Type | Data File |
| Developer | Groundspeak Inc. |
| MIME Type | application/vnd.loc |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store location data |
| Additional Functions | Geocaching coordinates |
| Features | XML format, Geospatial |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Structured data |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Geocaching | Yes |
| Mapping Software | Yes |
| GPS Devices | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Minimal |
| Best Practices | Validate XML |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Early 2000s |
| Latest Version | Varies by software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .gpx, .kml, .kmz |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 EasyGPS |
Free | Windows |
| ExpertGPS |
Paid | Windows |
 GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) |
Paid | Windows |
Type 2: TrackMania Locator File
General Information
| Title | .LOC File Extension |
| Extension | .loc |
| Full Form | TrackMania Locator File |
| File Type | Game File |
| Developer | Nadeo |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Reference remote resources |
| Additional Functions | Reduce game loading times |
| Features | Small size, Text-based |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Not applicable |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Custom Skins | Yes |
| Custom Models | Yes |
| Custom Tracks | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Link manipulation |
| Best Practices | Verify URLs, Use trusted sources |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2006 |
| Latest Version | TrackMania 2020 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .gbx, .zip |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| TrackMania |
Varies by edition | Windows |
| TrackMania Nations Forever |
Free | Windows |
| TrackMania United Forever |
Paid | Windows |
Type 3: Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition Localization File
Files with .LOC extension are Localisation String Resource Header files. Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition games use LOC files. Additionally, each game's DLC packs saved in .PCK files include pack-spe...
General Information
| Title | .LOC File Extension |
| Extension | .loc |
| Full Form | Localization File |
| File Type | Game Data File |
| Developer | Mojang Studios |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store text |
| Additional Functions | Localization, Translation |
| Features | Language support |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Text-based |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Game Development | Yes |
| Content Localization | Yes |
| Custom Translations | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Version control |
Historical/Version Information
| Introduced With | Legacy Console |
| Discontinued | Yes |
Associated Types
| Related Extensions | .lang, .properties |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition |
Commercial | Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo |