Does anyone have experience creating a point database in ArcMap??ÿ I've got a large spreadsheet containing all my PLSS points that I've got GPS coordinates for.?ÿ In addition to PNEZD, I have things like date, monument type, year set, etc.?ÿ
I can bring in the?ÿ .XLSX file into ArcMap by the "add xy data" command, and it displays just fine, with all the attributes.?ÿ However, this method won't allow you to edit the points in any way through ArcMap.
The other option is I've created a geodatabase (file with .GDB extension) and added the .XLSX file as a table object in the database.?ÿ However, to display it, I have to add it as an XY event, and then I'm back to the same issue of not being able to edit the data visually.?ÿ I can edit the table, but not the points displayed from the table.
What I'm looking for is a way to have a file that I can bring into ArcMap and edit - including adding more points as I find them - visually/spatially.?ÿ What's the best method to do this?
Once you have it displayed as an XY event layer, right-click the layer and choose Data, Export Data. Then you should be able to export it to the geodatabase or to a shapefile. There's likely also a way to convert the table in the geodatabase to a feature class, but I've never done that!
Melita
I figured out how to do that, but it seems like a one-time solution.?ÿ What would the process be if I needed to add to that data set??ÿ In other words, what about when I gather more points, and have them in another spreadsheet which I need to add to the shapefile?
I would do the same thing with the second spreadsheet.?ÿ Export the XY event layer to a shapefile or dbase.?ÿ Then either copy/paste or append to the original file.
Yes, I suppose I could merge the new points into the existing database by creating a new shapefile from XY data, then combining 2 shapefiles into one.?ÿ I was hoping to save a few steps though, since this will happen fairly often.?ÿ
If I open the table of the shapefile I made with my XY points, it lists all the shapes as type "Point".?ÿ Too bad there's not a way I can add points from an XY file to the end of that shapefile with one command (just by modifying the shapefile directly).
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What version of Arcmap?
You can build an iterative tool in Model Builder that should allow you to do that.?ÿ It might take a bit of trial and error and tweaking, but(cover blown now...) I've been working back and forth in Land Survey and GIS and keep discovering that so many tools have yet to be fully exploited.?ÿ Let us know what you find, and If I can find some time, I'll try to build a script based on your idea too.?ÿ Now, how to manufacture time........?ÿ
I'm on version 10.3.1.... but it shouldn't be that complicated that we need to start making custom scripts.?ÿ I can't be the only one who manages coordinates this way??ÿ The only other tool I have is AutoCad Civil 3d/Map 3d.
https://support.esri.com/en/technical-article/000002260
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Create a database connection to the Excel file maybe?
I haven't tried it but let me know if it works!
Yes, I suppose I could merge the new points into the existing database by creating a new shapefile from XY data, then combining 2 shapefiles into one.?ÿ I was hoping to save a few steps though, since this will happen fairly often.?ÿ
If I open the table of the shapefile I made with my XY points, it lists all the shapes as type "Point".?ÿ Too bad there's not a way I can add points from an XY file to the end of that shapefile with one command (just by modifying the shapefile directly).
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As Jitterboogie said, about the only way to simplify this is with model builder or a script.?ÿ There's not that many steps. (**All headers need to be the same each time in each spreadsheet**)
Create event layer
Export to Shapefile
Append to main shapefile.
The Append tool help states that it will accept map layers as input so that knocks off one step. This is at 10.6; check the 10.3.1 help to make sure map layers are supported.?ÿ
There's a little information in this GIS stackexchange thread.
Thanks everyone for the help.?ÿ I think I have it now.
Thanks everyone for the help.?ÿ I think I have it now.
So, what did you end up with?