Plot excel data on map (beginner)

[JamesGalyon]

I have about 180 cities that I need to mark and label on a map of Oklahoma.  I have an excel spreadsheet that has a name for the business and the city it's located in. 

I was wondering if there was a quick way I could do that with ArcMap or Catalog?  Do I need to convert the xls file to something like CSV or DBF? 

I found this (http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Geocoding_a_table_of_addresses), but wasn't really able to follow the directions

Thanks!!!

(I have arcGIS 10.1 I believe)

[ChristopherBlinn1]

James,

No need to convert your table, .xls will work just fine.

As a tip, I always tell people to simplify the Excel workbook before bringing it into ArcGIS.  I recommend removing empty/unneeded sheets, and also removing all formats within the sheet containing your location data.  Be sure to use correct field names and not use invalid characters.

If the directions were too difficult in the link you provided, I would first look at the resource article that pertains to the version of ArcGIS you are using:

http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#/in_ArcMap/002500000026000000/

The step-by-step approach in the link is the best way anyone here could really outline the process.

Hope this help!

Best,
Chris B.

[JamesGalyon]

What I did:
-pulled up the xls file in arcCatalog and did "geocode addresses"
-saved results as shapefile
-added shapefile to arcmap

Now I have all of the locations plotted :cool:!  Is there a way to have it label each point with one of those "callout" boxes?  The excel spreadsheet has three columns: company name, city, and state.  When I do "label features" on the geocoded addresses shapfile, they just say "US_Cities".  I need it to say the company name associated with that city

Thanks again!!!!  I'm one step closer!:D

[JamesGalyon]

Okay I figured it out...I don't remember the steps exactly but I got it! haha

Thanks again! That saved me a hell of a lot of time!