Generate point feature class from ascii file

[ChrisMartin9]

I have a simple ascii csv file that contains lat lon data in decimal degrees. I have added the table to my ArcMap project. How do I generate a point feature class that I can display on my map?

[DanPatterson_Retired]

ascii csv  has different meanings unfortunately to some people. 

It if is truly an ascii file  ASCII to Raster—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

then followed by           Raster to Point—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

There are other solutions involving other arcmap tools and/or python solutions, but if the above isn't describing the correct format, then you will have to clarify.

[ChrisMartin9]

Dan,

The file is a very simple comma delimited text file (.csv) with data in columnar format with headers. The data includes a column for latitude and longitude and I have added the file to my ArcMap project and is now a table. How do I display this as points on my map?

Chris

[DanPatterson_Retired · Accepted solution]

as suspected... it isn't an "ascii" file but contains ascii data.

Often referred to as a "event layer" or simply "csv" for comma,separated values to identify it from tab or space delimited

Add XY Coordinates—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

• but make sure that there are no spaces in the field names..
• no missing entries for an location in a column
• THEN convert it to a featureclass or shapefile so that it is useable in other analyses
• AND provide it with a spatial reference using the Define Projection tool
• anything else I have forgetten...

[forestknutsen1]

Make x,y event layers ​would be the tool for that. Then export the event layer to a feature class by right clicking in the TOC then data then Data Export.

You can also right click on csv table in the TOC and there is an option for make x,y events.

[DanPatterson_Retired]

And to emphasis both my point and Knudsen's point... regardless how you make the initial layer, you need to:

• make it permanent by saving it
• make sure it has a defined projection