How to import devices and have them placed in the proper location on the map using latitude and longitude information

InterMapper can import information about devices from a tab-delimited file. If that file contains latitude and longitude for the devices, InterMapper can place the icons on the proper place on the map.

Benchmarks

In order for InterMapper to place the devices properly, you must first define two benchmarks that indicate the latitude and longitude of two points on the map. InterMapper can then interpolate the device's location onto the map.

Step by Step Instructions

Execute the following steps to see how to import using latitude and longitude:

1. Retrieve the import data file and unzip the file. This contains two files:

   • An image file Unalakleet.gif that you can use as the map's background. (It's pictured below.)
   • The import file, Unalakleet Import.tab

2. Create a new map (File > New Map). Name it Unalakleet

3. Drag the Unalakleet.gif file's icon into the Unalakleet map window. You should see the map fill the window as a background image.

4. Optionally, choose Window > Zoom Window to make the window size match the background image.

5. Create the benchmarks on the image. To do this right-click (control-click) one of the cities in the table below on the map, and choose Add Benchmark...

6. Enter the latitude and longitude for that city:

1. Add a benchmark for the other city.

2. Use File > Import > Map Data... to import the Unalakleet Import.tab file. You will see a confirmation that nine devices were added to the map.

That's it! Check the map to see how the icons have been placed in the correct position.

Batch Geocoding

You can geocode a number of locations in a single file by following the instructions shown in the Batch geocoding devices for importing into InterMapper article in the Knowledge Base.