Point file fails to import when using the Import Points command

[rmk]

for some reason I cannot get this to work. I have a small text file (comma delimited) that has latitude, longitude, description (latitude and longitude in decimal degrees.

I created a format that had a column for latitude (DECDEG Latitude) longitude (DECDEG Longitude) and raw description. wasn't sure about the raw description since its just a description of the point.
(see image below).

When I would run the import points command, it gave a red circle with an X in it and a status of no point file format found.
when I selected the second button in the specify point file format, all I got in the preview were the 3 categories and under the DECDEG latitude column was (see image below)

what am I doing wrong? I have to do this operation fairly often and what like for it to be a little more automated than imputing it in by hand.

[Opie]

How was the data file saved? The preview is having issues reading it.

Can you share a sample data file for others to review?

[mjfarrell]

It appears whatever was used to write that point file has accidentally included some NON ASCI code at the header of the file.
Clean that off and your Point File Format should work.

For curiousity sake what was used to crete the file(S).
I'm guesing a Microsoft Product.....

[MHultgren]

If you used Excel or Word make sure that it saves the file as MSDOS ASCII other wise you end up with codes at the prefix of line one that you don't see. I prefer Notepad++ for my ASCII editor to eliminate this issue entirely.

[mjfarrell]

If you used Excel or Word make sure that it saves the file as MSDOS ASCII other wise you end up with codes at the prefix of line one that you don't see. I prefer Notepad++ for my ASCII editor to eliminate this issue entirely.

I often use OPEN OFFICE for this as well, still not sure WHY Microsoft products add the extra (BAD) code in the files.

[rmk]

I used excel to create the file. so, i went back to the drawing board, opened the file in excel, saved as MS DOS text file.
tried to import again. this time I got the green check mark, the points showed up in the screen like they should, however
it gave me a message saying "no points were transferred from the source." WTH.

[BlackBox]

Never had an issue with using Excel to manage Layers, Titleblocks, COGO Points, etc:

Always been a fan of CSV, personally. Haha

http://www.theswamp.org/index.php?to...7823#msg567823

FWIW -

My CSV->Layers routine may be of use... It's pretty simple to code an 'export' routine (no layer manager, no copying, etc.); let me know if you need some help.

[mjfarrell]

was the the target file set to use Lat-Longs?

Another test, use the Edit Point File Format function to first LOAD
and then
PARSE the contents of your data file.

Feel Free to send me your file for review.

[rmk]

attached are the point files. the xlsx is the original file.
the other one was saved as a txt.


thanks for the help

[mjfarrell]

Looking at your data now

what coordintate system? WGS 84?