Putting coordinates from GPS unit on a map manually, 'Add X Y Data' Question

Question

Someone gave me an Excel spreadsheet  with GPS coordinates on it of certain points in a field.  the 'northing' points are in one column and the 'easting' points are in another.

I figure that there has to be a way to insert these points on an ArcMap 10 map and give them symbology.  I was thinking that this way is the 'Add X Y data' tool under Data Management tool group.  (am I right?)

If I am right, I have questions on the format and precedure for entering the data.  this tool asks for an input. What does it want? A text document? The 2 excel columns?

thanks for any help!!

JennWhite · Answer

Someone gave me an Excel spreadsheet  with GPS coordinates on it of certain points in a field.  the 'northing' points are in one column and the 'easting' points are in another.

I figure that there has to be a way to insert these points on an ArcMap 10 map and give them symbology.  I was thinking that this way is the 'Add X Y data' tool under Data Management tool group.  (am I right?)

If I am right, I have questions on the format and precedure for entering the data.  this tool asks for an input. What does it want? A text document? The 2 excel columns?

thanks for any help!!

A text file or the speadsheet will work. I prefer using ArcCatalogue to "Create new feature class from XY data".  Add XY Data from the File menu is also another simple option. Good luck!

samanthazimbelman · Answer

so, if I can't export my data from my gps app (which is odd because i had no problem the first time), then can I follow the same procedure ....apply them to Arc Map manually?

ChrisHolcomb · Answer

Dan thank you very much for your help- I'll try and apply this to what I am doing soonHi Chris,

Do you mean this http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//001700000032000000 tool? 'Add X Y Coordinates'?

or http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//00170000006z000000 ' Make X Y Event Layer'?

The first one adds x and y coordinates to an already existing points feature class (not what you want).

The second one will create a temporary points layer based on a table, which may be what you want, although if you're starting from an Excel spreadsheet you might have to convert it to a .dbf or geodatabase table first, or at least check that the field headings are 'safe' for ArcGIS.

Usually if I'm plotting points based on XY data in a spreadsheet I'll use the 'Create Feature Class' -> 'From XY Table' right-click option in ArcCatalog, as this creates a permanent feature class rather than a temporary event layer. (I'm using 9.3 though, it might have changed in 10).

Hope that helps

Dan