Adding data

[janehansen]

I have a spreadsheet with the coordinates in DD. The Longitude numbers did not have a - in front. For example 114.235 not -114.235. So I added another column named Long and added the -.  I then tried to import the data into arc map using add data xy but the Long column does not show up as one of my options in the add data xy box.  I am assuming it has something to do with the original Longitude columns formating????

Thanks,

Jane

[AdamZiegler1]

Hi Jane - It may have something to do with that column. How did you add the '-'? The only way I've had that work in the past is to use a '-1' multiplier to get the number format to stick. There's a chance your process converted the numbers to text.

-Adam Z

[AbdullahAnter]

yes, you are right , when you add the  -   you make ArcGIS read this column as text field. but ArcGIS look for number field.

so I prefer to keep the original spreadsheet without modify. And Import that table to Geodatabase. then make field calculator to coordinate fields to multiply  -1    . then use this table to add x y data.

[janehansen]

Thanks Adam and Abullah, I think you are both right. So I will import the

table to a Geodatabse then use the field calculator to add a - in front of

the number.

Thanks for your help.

Jane

[DanPatterson_Retired]

don't 'add' a - in front... multiply your values by -1 as they have suggested. 

[janehansen]

I did and it worked!

Thanks guys:)

[janehansen]

I have now imported the points following the addition of the - in front of

the longitude numbers. I used gsc wgs 1984 and the points are still

showing up in the same place as when the - was not there...which is in the

middle of the ocean

What else could account for the points importing and presenting at the

wrong location.

Thanks

[AdamZiegler1]

Are the values truly '-'? I'd imagine they are charting at the + value. When you identify on an object, how is the attribute being displayed? Any chance you can share a few rows in an attachment?

-Adam Z

[janehansen]

Here is the attachement. The first one is from the original spreadsheet

where I imported based on the longitude and latitude columns without the -

in front of the longitude column. The points did not display in the right

location. As you can see there are two other columns with x y

coordinates. I imported any row with x y coordinates present and they all

imported and displayed in the right location.

Thanks for helping

[AbdullahAnter]

it is spatial reference case.

when you using the UTMEasting and UTMNorthing fields get in right position because it is meter unit and you choose projection with meter unit.

so if you want to use longitude and latitude fields you should choose  GSC ( geographic coordinate systems ) that use decimal degree.

that will let you put your points in the right position.