ARCHIVED: In ArcGIS, how do I create a shapefile from GPS coordinates in a text file?

In ArcGIS, you can use data collected from a GPS device to create a shapefile containing points, lines, or polygon features. For more about shapefiles, see Shapefile in Wikipedia.

Note: With most ArcGIS functions and tools, several methods can accomplish the same task. These instructions describe one way to do this procedure, but others may work just as well for you.

This procedure works best if you have a large number of coordinates you wish to add all at once:

1. Make sure the text file containing GPS points is in the right format for ArcGIS to read:
   
   
   • Your GPS points should be organized with each field separated by tabs or commas.
   • The fields or columns in your text file must have a valid field heading (column name). If they do not, you will see an error message.
   • You must have at least an X coordinate field and a Y coordinate field (though these fields can have any name). You may have as many additional fields as needed (e.g., description or site number), but the X and Y fields are mandatory.
   • Following is an example text file of GPS points: SITE,EASTING,NORTHING,DESC 1,567189,4770802,trailhead 2,567732,4779100,proposed bridge site 3,569904,4765221,marshy area
2. In ArcCatalog, right-click the text file containing the GPS coordinates. Select Create Feature Class, and then From XY table. If you cannot see the text file in ArcCatalog, select Options under the Tools menu. Then select the General tab and, under "Types of data to show", make sure Text Files is checked.
   
   
3. Select the field for the X value and the Y value (e.g., if you're using a UTM projection, select Easting for X and Northing for Y).
   
   
4. Under "Output," type the name of the shapefile.
   
   
5. To select the coordinate system, click Spatial Reference of Input Coordinates. You can then select a pre-defined coordinate system, import one from another source, or create your own. (Be sure to select the spatial reference system of the points from the time they were taken with the GPS device. You can change the projection to something different later.)
   
   
6. In the Create Feature Class from XY table dialog box, click OK.

   The new shapefile containing the GPS points will be created. If you do not see it listed in your workspace, press F5 to refresh.

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