topic Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long in Data Management Questions

best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

MarinaMeter — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 15:33:34 GMT

I have a huge amount of .csv files each with hundreds of rows and each has its own value of an easting and northing

How can i quickly change these UTM coordinates and convert them to a lat/long coordinate value using ArcMap.

What might you suggest is the most efficient method? Im very new to this, so any help and details is greatly apprecaited

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

HectorBorro1 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 15:55:30 GMT

I have fond that the winning combination for tackling these kind of issues is using ArcGIS + FME which handles files wonderfully and can make the transformations you are looking to make a breeze. It works wonders by reprojecting You can download a fully working trial at FME Desktop | Data Integration & Productivity | Safe Software

Give it a try and let me know how it goes. You can try using the tool AttributeReprojector:

Sorry if I mention another tool instead of solving the issue with ESRIs software, but I really had great experience working with this software combo. BTW, I'm just a regular FME user and not affiliated with them.

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

MarinaMeter — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 16:09:48 GMT

Thanks for the information Hector, the tools look awesome from FME, unfortunately the cost ranges from $6400 to 20k, this is a bit expensive for my company and will not pass go! Even using the trial only band aids my problem, im looking for a long term solution this this using the tools that I have, i appreciate your help in any event

thank you kindly

marina

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

HectorBorro1 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 16:16:57 GMT

Oh yes, I know what you mean. I made the case to my bosses on the basis $2250USD would save a lot in processing time and faster workarounds for the analysis and we are now seriously considering buying the standard desktop version. but I digress...

Have you tried using the Project—Data Management toolbox | ArcGIS for Desktop tool?

I find it difficult in ArcGIS to have a CSV file and convert it to SHP to show the points on my map, I use FME for this

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

DarrenWiens2 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 16:40:25 GMT

If you want to stay fully within ArcMap, convert your CSV to a layer using Make XY Event Layer. Then, calculate lat/longs using Add Geometry Attributes, specifying WGS 1984 as the coordinate reference system. Both tools can be run using batch processing to loop through your files.

edit: forgot to mention event layers are temporary layers. You will likely need to run Copy Features to save the file to disk at some point.

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

DEAF_PROBERT_68 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 16:57:33 GMT

While I agree with Darren, you might want to read before you go ahead...here is the tips about .csv files

CSV, TXT, and GPX files—ArcGIS Online Help | ArcGIS

Another good information for you to read ... https://brocku.ca/maplibrary/Instruction/Part_One_GPS_Data_Collection.pdf

I do not remember if I was able to load the .csv to DNR Garmin and save it as a shapefile in a quick way...it has been a while I last used...but worth trying to research it.

Import CSV: Data loss and rounding. <---- it talks about import .csv to DNR Garmin how to use it..

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

DarrenWiens2 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 17:01:53 GMT

This is possible with DNRGPS (new version of DNR Garmin), but it's difficult if not impossible to run in batch mode. Also, you'd need to convert all of your easting/northing field names to x_proj/y_proj. It's just not set up well for this.

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

DEAF_PROBERT_68 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 17:06:50 GMT

Yeah, unless if Marina is comfortable and knows how to deal with it or not... I was just giving another way around to make the job easier..

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

MarinaMeter — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 17:58:33 GMT

Hi Darren, I think that is the most efficient way to go about this, i appreciate your help

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

MarinaMeter — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 17:59:16 GMT

Thanks Robert, I will check out the information, there's always more than one way to accomplish something!

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

DEAF_PROBERT_68 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 21:03:40 GMT

Thank you. Good luck on what your decision are...AND let us know what you have accomplish on this...

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

MarinaMeter — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 21:12:11 GMT

im actually having a heck of a time, let me explain:

I was given an x value of (2514960.36447139) an a Y value of (2042479.38586146), Ok now when I set my layer properties to NAd83 Utm Zone 11, i then convert csv to events, i then convert to a shape file with the layers data frame, I now end up somewhere in mexico, this is the first issue.

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

DEAF_PROBERT_68 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:15:46 GMT

It sounds like you got it right but you need to add the x and y columns and make them to longitude and latitude before you can convert to shapefile.

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

DarrenWiens2 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:23:04 GMT

Does it appear in the correct place when you make your event layer?

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

MarinaMeter — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:30:26 GMT

No it doesnt here is what I was given it is not in mexico for sure

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

DarrenWiens2 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:38:42 GMT

Then I guess your coordinates aren't in UTM Zone 11. Even if you switched the coordinates, it's still in Mexico.

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

DanPatterson_Retired — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:42:36 GMT

The X and the Y values are within the same range.

The X coordinate should be in the range of 500,000 plus or minus a couple of hundred thousand if it was UTM, even if the coordinates were in feet, it is kind of stretching it that this would be UTM.
The Y values... if it were in meters in the northern hemisphere would give it a position about 2/10 of the way from the equator to the north pole (ie about 18 degrees). If the coordinates were in feet, you would be closer to the equator.

Perhaps your coordinates are in meters, if so, then your projection is not a UTM but another projection that is used in your area.

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

MelitaKennedy — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:44:32 GMT

Marina,

Those values don't look like UTM. If the data's in the US, they could be State Plane instead. If the data's scattered across, even a state (let alone multiple states), you may have to figure out which zone each one is in first. Ouch. UTM X coordinates should be between 200000 and 800000 meters, while in the contiguous US, Y values are between 2.5 million and 5.5 million meters. I didn't spot an obvious state plane zone that matched 2million,2million either.

If you can post approximately where the data is located, I can see if I can find a matching coordinate system. You can do this yourself by adding a base map/other data to ArcMap and setting the data frame's coordinate system to the one you want to check. Make sure the display units match the coordinate system and just read off the coordinates from the status bar (at bottom right of map).

EDIT: You said that the data's in Canada, above Idaho. Is it in BC or Alberta? We have a few provincial coordinate systems, but they're generally putting the data pretty far North. Nearest major feature?

Thanks!

Melita

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

MarinaMeter — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:46:11 GMT

hmmm, i need to convert these to lat/long it should be in canada above idaho.............eeeek

Re: best way to convert a csv file with UTM to lat long

DarrenWiens2 — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:50:44 GMT

You can rule out these usual suspects:

BC Albers

Canada Albers

Canada Lambert

Alberta 10TM

Did you perhaps get these coordinates from a survey company, who like to confuse people by using a custom coordinate reference system?