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Shape File Import

Import shape filesA shape file stores shape and attribute information for features in a data set. into your map to add additional information (such as seismic information, contour shapes, or grid information) about a certain area. You will notice immediately how much faster the files import.

After you import shape files, you can use GeoVista's Map Tools toolbar to select and view the shape fileA shape file stores shape and attribute information for features in a data set. 's features.

Follow these steps to import and work with a shape file.

1. Select Map | Import Shape File to open the Import Shape File Layer dialog box, where you can import your shape file.
2. Click <OK> to open the Choose Data Fields dialog box, where you can select which of your layer's fields to import.
3. Click <OK> to import the layer and fields into your session. You can watch your import's progress on GeoVista's Progress bar.
4. After the import completes, GeoVista automatically opens the Layer Name Properties dialog box, where you can set how your layer will appear on the map.

• If you do not see the shape files after you import the layer, you may have to zoom in or zoom out on the map.
• You can change the layer properties any time in the future by double-clicking your layer on the Layer Manager tab.

5. To view the information in your shape file layer, select a tool from the Map Tools toolbar, and then click on the area of the layer you want to see. An information box will appear and display all the information available for the selected object. If more than one object occupies the point where you click, you will see a message.

• The text box displays all the fields that you selected in the Choose Data Fields dialog box, regardless if the field has any data.

What do you want to do?

• Select shape file objects
• Learn about the choose data fields dialog box
• Import a shape file layer into the current session
• Edit a layer`s properties
• Learn about the main menu bar