5.4.1 Import GIS data from SHP format - LUPMISManual

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5. Conversion of data > 5.4 Communication with other GIS programs

5.4 Communication with Other GIS Programs

After you have received a GIS vector file from another GIS program, it is strongly recommended to first convert this file to Map Maker format (DRA). The option to load a non-DRA file in Map Maker through Add-layer command is not recommended!


5.4.1 Import GIS Data from SHP format

Level of expertise required for this Chapter: Intermediate; general Map Maker training

If you have a
SHP file (with or without attribute DBF data), you process following steps in Map Maker:

Main menu > Vector utilities > Import files > ArcView Shape file > Import ArcView Shape file window Step 1: Choose source SHP file > Select folder and file > Open > Next step > Step 2: Tick ‘Use serial number as object ID’ (if attribute data are attached: also tick ‘Import database’, ‘Select All’) > Next step >



> Step 3: Select target file > Select new file name (recommended: previous file name with _DRA added to the previous file name) > Finish > Do you want to check polygon topology? Yes > Confirm save

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Note 1: If the shape file is in a different projection, you have to import it through this process, and then – in a second step – convert it to UTM (see Chapter 5.2.3 for the procedure to convert vector maps from Ghana Grid to UTM).

Note 2: If the shape file is in feet (instead of meters), you also have to convert it from the SHP file format  to UTM with consideration of feet as units (as explained in  Chapter 5.2.2 for the procedure to convert feet SHP files).

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Note 3: If you want to have one of the attribute fields of the SHP file as the standard display in Map Maker, you import this field to the label field inside Map Maker:
Right-mouse >Project manager > Project manager window: Add layer > Select folder and DRA file > Open > Data link > Database > Choose database > Choose DBF file > Open > Copy layer to live layer > OK



> In live layer mode: Right-mouse > Live layer actions > Live layer actions window: IDs and labels > Amend labels and IDs > OK > Amend labels and IDs window: Set display label to external database value > OK > Again, select folder > Select DBF file > Open > Choose link column window: Select first row (in most cases, ID) > OK > Choose data column window: Select row, which contains the labels > OK – Finished!

Don’t forget to save: Right-mouse > Save live layer as … > Save > Save

  


 
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