Hydrographic Survey Software - Import Generic ASCII Data - Tutorial

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Hydrographic Survey Software - Import Generic ASCII Data - Tutorial

Introduction

This import function allows you to import all kinds of ASCII data, and convert it to shapes, tracks, waypoints and other objects. It can be used to import, for instance, logfiles created by other applications which are in ASCII/CSV format.


Open the "Import ASCII Data" dialog

The dialog can be opened by selecting "File"=>"Import"=>"Import ASCII Data..." from the main menu. The following dialog will appear:

Import ASCII Data

Data File Options

File

Click the "Browse..." button to select the file to be imported. All files will be displayed, there is no file extension filter applied. Some file extensions that are commonly used for ASCII files include: *.ASC, *.TXT, *.LOG and *.CSV. The imported file is never modified by this software.

Load data as

Use this selection to specify how the data should be interpreted. You can use the coordinates found in the file to build a set of points, a polygon, a polyline, a set of waypoints or a boundary which can be used to select areas.


Format Options

You can specify the internal organization of the import file here. You can click the "View..." button to preview the selected file.

Field Order

This option is to set the order of the fields in the file. The following is supported:

  • Latitude, Longitude;
  • Longitude, Latitude;
  • Northing, Easting;
  • Easting, Northing;

When a third field is present in the file, it will be interpreted as either altitude or depth, depending on the version you are using (for the hydrographic survey / dredging edition depth is used).

Field Separator

Use this options to specify which separator is used in the file. If unsure, set to auto, the software will try to autodetect the correct settings.

Field Name Header

When a the file contains a header containing the field names, select this option. When reading the file, the first line will be skipped.


Projection and Units

The software needs to now which projection is used in the file, so it can be referenced to WGS84 in case of a track or waypoint list, or the currently used projection in case of a shape. When an altitude or depth is present in the file, you also have to set the unit used.


Importing the file

Just click "OK" to start reading the file. Depending on the import option you choose, a new layer, track, boundary or waypoints will appear in the project view.