How to Import GPS data into Arc Map (Version 10.

1)
Steps:

1. Open Microsoft Excel and write the (x-y-z data) collected using GPS device.

2. Then convert these coordinates into text data by simply saving the excel in TEXT (Tab
Delimited) format
3. Open or Add xyz coordinates saved in text tab delimited format in Arc GIS (double click or drag &

drop)

or in latest versions of Arc Map, double click the excel data with xls format after changing the data
into txt file, then highlight and click Sheet1$, which is equivalent to the txt delimited format data
and Add (as shown below)
4. Highlight the text delimited format data in the table of contents under Arc Map
5. Click File and click Add Data, then click Add XY Data
6. In the Add XY data dialog box, open the text delimited file, then specify the fields: X for X, Y
for Y, and Z for z

7. In the same dialog box, click EDIT to give the data a special reference property, i. e., Edit,
projected coordinates, UTM, Northern, WGS 84 37N.
8. Then click ok, ok.

Note: The Steps 4-8 can also be performed by highlighting and right clicking on the .txt data
layer, then clicking DISPLAY XY DATA, then assigning x, y, z and projections.

9. These process will create Events with extension .txt Events

10. Then to change this file into shape file, right click the txt Event file and click Data, then click
EXPORT DATA, then the export data dialog box will appear

11. Then click the radio button ‘this layer’s source data’ to give the same projection as the source
data
12. Identify out data location/folder and the feature class (.shp) and give new name for the output
data
13. In the save as a type, select shape file
14. Then hit ok.
15. Then click YES
16. Finally, you will see the shape file containing xyz coordinates.
17. Now, you can change colors, size of symbols, etc.

18. Export the final outputs to be included in your reports whenever it is needed.
You are required to submit individually:
1. A brief explanation (not more than a page) on how to export GPS data into ArcGIS
2. Collect GPS data (x, y, z) in the field along with location descriptions (not less than 50
points)
3. Export it into GIS and create shapefile with a definite projection (say UTM 84)
4. Add coordinate frame, north direction arrow and scale
5. Export it to easily printable/reportable format.