Uploading Files to Spectrum Spatial (TAB, SHP, CSV, XLS)

Uploading Files to Spectrum Spatial

Spectrum Spatial Analyst allows you to upload TAB, shp, csv and xls files to Spectrum Spatial repository and then add the data as a layer in the map project.

The data uploaded in Spectrum Spatial repository are stored as MapInfo TAB or database file.
When uploading a .TAB or .SHP file, you need to select all of the required files. These are listed in the supported file types section below.
When adding CSV or XLS as spatial data, you need to specify coordinates (longitude and latitude).
You can save a layer to Spectrum Spatial repository using SQL-based or file-based connection.
After the data has been uploaded to Spectrum Spatial repository it can be added to multiple map projects.

Note: The size of your data file will affect how much can be transferred at one time. For more details see, Spectrum Spatial Manager guide.

Supported File types

You must be careful while selecting your data. Spectrum Spatial Analyst validates your files for any errors or warnings. The following types of files are allowed.


File extension	Description
.TAB	A MapInfo .TAB file. The associated files are: .map (required) .id (required) .dat (required) .ind (optional) For step by step instructions see, Uploading a TAB File.
.shp	A shapefile is an Esri vector data storage format for storing the location, shape, and attributes of geographic features. The shapefile should not be empty. It should not have corrupt or null geometry. A shapefile should not have invalid column names. A Shapefile is made up of a collection of files. To upload your data in Shapefile format you will need the .shp, .dbf, and .shx files. The associated files are: .dbf (required) .shx (required) .prj (optional) .cpg (optional) For step by step instructions see, Uploading Shapefile.
.csv	You can upload a CSV file containing spatial data to Spectrum Spatial repository then show the geospatial data on a map. For step by step instructions see, Uploading a CSV File.
.xls/.xlsx	You can upload an Excel file containing spatial data to Spectrum Spatial repository then show the geospatial data on a map. For step by step instructions see, Uploading an Excel File.

For more details on uploading data refer to Uploading Data section in the Spectrum Spatial Guide.

Uploading by sub-admins

The sub-admins must have Write access to a repository folder (in which the named table is to be created) and Read access to a folder where a named connection is available. The admin can provide these rights to the sub-admin. For more information, see the Spectrum Spatial Guide.

Uploading a non-spatial table

You can upload a non-spatial table. This option is only available if the destination data source is SQL Server. Non-spatial tables cannot be saved to a TAB file. To display data on the map after uploading it, an administrator would need to join the table to a spatial table by creating a named view in Spectrum Spatial Manager, or by creating a view in SQL Server and making that available as a new named table in Spectrum Spatial Manager.

Errors and Warnings

There are a number of reasons why your upload might fail. Here are the most common reasons. You may get the following errors and warnings during the data upload:


Message	Description
Required file extension missing	This error occurs when you miss adding a required file for .TAB or SHP.
Invalid file or column information	This error occurs when you select a file from your computer which is not supported.
Multiple tables selected	This error occurs when you select more than one base file, or associated files while choosing your data files.
Selected named table cannot be replaced due to insufficient permission	In the select Named Table dialog, the Tree view lists only named tables. On selecting named table, describe that table and ensure read permission on Named connection. Spectrum Spatial Analyst shows error in case user does not have read permission on the named tables.
File content should not be blank	This message appears when you upload an Excel or CSV file with no records in the file.
A resource with this name already exists in folder	This message appears when named resource already exists. You can edit the name filed to give it another name.
Name already taken	This message appears when the table name already exists. You can edit the name filed to give it another name.

Important: A primary key column will be generated and added to the table. If you choose to create a new table and then create a named layer, the vector layer will be rendered as an image from Spectrum Spatial. As a result, options such as heat maps will not be available.