Adding x,y data to my map using ArcMap 10.1

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02-17-2013 07:13 AM
StanleyMax
New Contributor
Hi everyone,

This should not be that difficult, and once I learn how to do it, I should be all set.  But right now, I am confused.

I created a database (the extension is .MDB) with about 60 records.  Each record has a separate field containing the easting and northing for buildings on my campus (Towson University, in case anyone is interested).  The database also has a field for the name of the building and the total area of the building, but it is the location fields that interest me right now.

I don't understand how to get those points plotted on my map.

If someone could tell me how to do this, I would be grateful.

Once I do get those points plotted, then, as I understand the procedure, I should somehow create a layer file for them.  Is that correct?

Thank you very much.

Stanley
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4 Replies
AnthonyGiles
Frequent Contributor
Stanley,

Have a look at this help page on adding access data to arcmap:

http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//005s00000023000000

Once you have added the table into arcmap right click on it and select display x y data. You can then save the data off as a feature class:

http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//00s50000001z000000

Regards

Anthony

P.S. make sure you adhere to these rules in your database:

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

Your coordinate columns should also be numeric
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StanleyMax
New Contributor
Hi Anthony,

Thank you very much.

That solved everything.

And I guess that I want to save the data as a shapefile, right?  Because the last thing that I need to do is spacial statistics on my x,y data.  In particular, I want to find the mean and standard deviation of the points.

Stanley
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AnthonyGiles
Frequent Contributor
Yes a shapefile or a feature class in a file geodatabase will work

Regards

Anthony
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StanleyMax
New Contributor
Hi Anthony,

Thank you again so much.  You have been instrumental in enabling me to move on with my project.

Stanley
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