ArcGIS Help - 3. Importing Excel Files
Most of our data do not come in prepackaged shape files.  Often you are measuring data in the field, import it into Excel, where it is probably manipulated, and, finally, we would like to put it on a map.  ArcGIS understands an archaic database format called dbase IV, which dates back from the time of the pyramids.  In a first step you will have to save your excel file in dbase IV format before you can turn it into a shape file.
In Excel:
  • Clean up your data, make sure that longitude west has the proper sign, add column headers etc.  It pays off to label latitude and longitude properly with lat and long labels respectively.
  • Format the column headers as text. To do this select the first row, right-click on it, select Format cells..., click on the Number tab, and select Text in the list of formats.  In some versions it may also be necessary to format the data cells so the correct number of digits is displayed.
  • Deselect everything and save the file in dbase IV format (File > Save As)

 
In ArcCatalog:
  • Right-click on the dbase file
  • In the drop down menu select: Create Feature Class
  • Select from XY-table, in the following menu make sure that the software recognizes the latitude and longitude columns.
  • Now you have to select the proper spatial references for your data.  Click on the Spatial reference of Input Coordinates... button.
  • Click on Select a predefined coordinate system.  Select the appropriate coordinate system or projection.  Most likely you will need: Projected Coordinate Systems > State Plane > NAD 1983 (feet) > Connecticut
  • Click your way out of all menus by selecting OK.
  • Now, you are back at ArcGIS and not much has happened.  ArcGIS does not show any new shape files because it is not smart enough to update its window.  Hit the F5 key and you'll see an updated version, showing your newly created shapefile with the extension shp.
  • This file can now be dragged into the ArcMap window.
Potential screw-ups
  • Converting Excel files to dbase IV: has numerous pitfalls and might not be as straightforward as it should be.  make sure all your cells are in the proper format.  I don't think you have to name your header cells any more, but dbase is very picky if you tried to save the same excel file as a dbase file before.  Check the Excel help on saving files in dbase.
  • My data shows up in ArcMap, but is way off the map: This problem is most likely due to incorrectly set map units (meters or feet).  For help on setting map units click here.
  
back to ArcGIS index last modified 09-2003