Stephan,
The shapefiles provided on the download pages are about as raw as they come. Are you having problems importing them? Into what software?
_Nathaniel
I’m writing my own software and would like to paint my maps myself. I downloaded Coastlines but the main data file is stored using some protocol – or at least it appears that way. Is there a tool or application I can use to export the data. Ideally i’m looking for point (lat,long) – or something functionally equivilant.
Thanks
Stephan
@Stephan: There are shapefile parser libraries for most languages. Alternatively, you can install GRASS or QGIS and export out using a GDAL like tool the vector part of the shapefile to XY ordered text list.