Converting Latitude / Longitude data to Map Points

U.S. Department of Commerce

Converting Latitude / Longitude data to Map Points

Assume that a database is available to the user containing the latitude and longitude of sample points together with other descriptive information related to the points. This abbreviated file, sample.dbf, contains the following fields: Point_Name, Data1, Data2, latitude and longitude.

1. The LandView^® System MenuBar is used to access User Files

2. A generic User file, file_01.lv6, is selected for modification and is Opened.

3. The System MenuBar is again accessed, and the option, '2 Customize this File', is selected.

4. A new Window opens, permitting customizing of the selected file. In this case, the generic text, File Description 01, was replaced with Sample Point Log, Text Labels 1 and 2 were replaced with Data 1 and Data 2, and the Layer Name that will be used to contain the MARPLOT^® map data was changed to Sample Points. As an added step, the unused field descriptions were deleted so as to hide unused fields. (One was left for display purposes only.)

5. On using the Return to User File button, the newly customized Form View is ready for data import.

6. LandView's File/Import Records . . . opens a dialogue box where generic field names in File_01.lv6 can be dragged to match fields in the file to be imported. Arrows, which can be toggled On and Off, allow selection of fields to be matched or ignored so as to utilize available generic fields.

7. Once data has been imported, a sequential set of IDMARPLOT identifiers needs to be assigned. A Systems MenuBar item, 3 Fill in IDMARPLOT field for all records, simplifies this task.

8. The necessary conditions are now established for use of the remaining MenuBar option, 4 Create a MARPLOT Import File. This option requires all of the following: latitude and longitude values, assigned IDMARPLOT values, an assigned Layer name and an assigned Map name. By default, the import file, lv6export.txt, is place in the LV6 directory.

9. In MARPLOT, File/Import . . . is invoked. With c:\lv6export.txt selected as a Text file, MARPLOT creates a new map layer containing the imported point objects. Two way communication is established. The MARPLOT Sharing Menu will access the informational attributes records in LandView. From a data record in LandView, Show on Map displays the mapped point in MARPLOT.

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