Choosing to import text files from the File Import Dialog brings up the window below. The contents of the file are displayed in the large preview area. When the OK button is pressed the contents of the file are read into the GS+ Worksheet according to rules specified by the chosen file format. These rules define how many rows of header data precede the data rows (2, in the example below), how missing values are identified (with the number –99 in the example below), how column names are separated (with commas, below), and how data fields (columns) are separated from one another within data records (with spaces in this example).
A similar dialog window is available for importing spreadsheet, database, and HTML files.
A variety of text file types can be imported into GS+, including formats defined by the user. Each type has its own manner for separating fields within data records, for handling missing values, for allowing header records, and for specifying names of fields (column titles) within the file. Predefined input format types include:
• GS+™ format, in which fields are separated by spaces (free format) or tabs, missing values are indicated with the placeholder -99, the number of header records is automatically detected, and column titles (variate names) appear on the 2nd record separated by commas. Click here for a more complete description of the GS+ format including an example.
• GeoEas format, in which fields are separated with commas, there are no missing value indicators, the number of header records is specified on the 2nd record of the file, and column titles appear as individual records following this second record. Click here for a more complete description of the GeoEas format including an example.
• Surfer® XYZ format, in which fields are separated by spaces (free format), missing values are indicated by blank fields, and the first record in the file is a header record in which column titles (variate names) appear as fields separated by spaces. Note that the Surfer XYZ format also allows fields to be separated by commas, which should be specified separately as described below. Note that this format is not the same as the Surfer Grid file format that can be used for Krig output files or Map input files. Click here for a more complete description of the Surfer XYZ format including an example.
• ArcView® XYZ format, in which fields are separated with commas, missing values are indicated by placeholder commas, there is a single header record, and within the header record variate names are separated by quotes and commas. Click here for a more complete description of the ArcView XYZ format including an example.
• Custom, in which any of these format specifications can be changed or customized as specified in File Import Properties.
The Properties Command brings up a File Import Properties dialog window within which you can specify how GS+ should adjust its input parameters.
The Change command brings up a Field or Column Assignment window from which you can assign variates (e.g. X coordinate) to columns or fields in the data file. Columns can be reassigned later from the Data Worksheet window.
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Press OK to import the specified filedata into the GS+ Worksheet and close the dialog window. If data already exists in the GS+ Worksheet, you will be asked what to do with it.
Press Cancel to exit the dialog without importing data.