Import Shape File Layer

To open the import Import Shape File Layer dialog box, select Map | Import Shape File from the Main Menu bar. Use this dialog box to locate and import a shape file into your current GeoVista session.

Import Shape File Layer Dialog Box

This dialog box has the following options:

Shape File - Click <Browse> to locate the shape file (*.shpShape file (contains spatial data)). After you select a shape file, the remaining fields on the dialog box update to display the file's information. Make sure that all the associated files are in the same directory as the *.shpShape file (contains spatial data) file. Read more.
Object Type - By default, this list updates to display GeoVista's interpretation of your data as being region or line data. Typically, you will not need to change this value.
Layer Group - This is the name of the folder in which GeoVista will store the new shape file layer on the Object Manager bar's Layer Manager tab. If you want to store the layer in a different folder, choose one from this list, or type a new folder name into the field.

Choose Unique ID - Set which column to use to identify the layer's objects. Read more.

Group - Select the layer's coordinate system. Typically, you will not change this value if GeoVista detects that your coordinate system is Geodetic Latitude/Longitude. However, because the other two choices are similar in many ways, you may need to check the value if GeoVista detects the coordinate system is Transverse Mercator or Universal Transverse Mercator.
System - If the layer's coordinate system is Universal Transverse Mercator, then you need to select the layer's zone from the list. If necessary, you can use a text editor (such as Microsoft Notepad) to look up your zone in your layer's *.prjProjection information file file (if one is available).
Datum - Select the datum (NAD83 or NAD27) used by the shape file you are importing. If the shape file layer has a *.prjProjection information file file, GeoVista will automatically identify which datum the shape file uses. If the shape file does not have a *.prjProjection information file file, you need to select the datum.

CAUTION:
If you select a datum that does not match the datum used in the imported shape file, GeoVista will be unable to align objects correctly when you import the shape file to your map.

Meridian - If the layer's coordinate system is Transverse Mercator, then you need to specify the layer's Meridian. If the displayed meridian is not correct, delete the numbers and type in a new meridian.

Layer Name - This is the name of your layer, and this name will identify the layer in the Layer Manager tab. If this name is not descriptive enough, delete the text and enter a new name.
Open Options - Select whether you want to open this new shape file layer only for this session, or if you want the shape file layer to open every time you open GeoVista.
<OK> - Select the shape file and open the Choose Data Fields dialog box, where you can select which fields to import.

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