Create Point Layer

The basic type of map layer you can create is composed of points. To use points, you choose the Point option in the Feature Type combo-box. If you choose Point, you cannot define any other parameter, and a single line in the selected table defines one point in the map layer.

If you want to create a new layer in add-in, you must remember one thing. Columns that contain X and Y coordinate values must not have any empty cells. If you have rows without coordinates in your table, hide them using Filter or remove them. An example of a new created point layer is shown in the following figure.

This new map layer is formed by simple points. You can change their visual character by substituting values stored in your Map Layer attribute table.

Create Line Layer

The next simple feature you can create with add-in is lines. As in the previous case, your coordinates are defined in the X and Y combo-boxes.

When you choose the Line option in the Feature Type combo-box, the Grouping Column parameter is displayed. If you leave this combo-box empty, a one-line map layer will be created from the table. If you want to create multiple lines in a single layer, you must have a column in the table that separates each line. This column will contain your defined values. When the value in this column is changed, it begins to create a new line, and the points in the current line are inserted in the new line unless the value in the column changes. Attribute table values are always created for the first record for a given line in the table. An example of table structure with two lines to be given values is as follows.

The two lines, Line_1 and Line_2 in the Grouping Column, in the above table have defined coordinates. Coordinates are stored in the first two columns and the breakdown of each line is defined in the third column. Finally, the last two columns have data used for generating the attribute table layer. A generated line layer example is in the next figure.

Crete Polygon Layer

Another type of vector map you can create is a polygon layer. Its definition is the same as for the line layer.

Polygon vertex coordinates are defined by the first two combo boxes. You can create multiple polygons from the table using the Grouping Column parameter; -exactly the same way you did for lines. Again, if you leave this combo-box empty, only one polygon will be created from selected data.The created polygon layer example is shown in the next figure.

Polygon attribute data is created from the first line of your selected Excel spreadsheet; the same as for lines

Create Convex Hull Layer

Another feature you can create is a convex hull polygon layer. This encloses all coordinates from your Excel spreadsheet in a single polygon. No additional option or parameter setup is required for this map feature.

An example of the convex hull layer is shown in the next figure.

Create Layer of Delaunay Polygons

Delaunay polygons can also be created from your data.

You do not have to define any parameters when you create Delaunay polygons and the result looks like the following figure.

Create Buffer Polygons

The last feature type you can create with add-in are buffer polygons. If you choose this type, it is necessary to set the distance at which are polygons created. The values used for this distance are the same as you use for tiles; and are always defined in the same units as your coordinates. Therefore when you use the metric coordinate system, your values are in meters and when you use the WGS84 coordinate system your values are in degrees.

When you have defined your buffer distance, click Apply, and add-in will generate a new map layer as in the following figure. The buffer is generated for each individual record (point) from your Excel spreadsheet.

Create Layer of Hexagonal Polygons

The next polygon type you can create from Excel data is called hexagon bins. These polygons statistically summarize values in selected areas. Three configurable parameters are displayed when you select hexagon bins in the Feature Type combo-box.

Explanation: First, you set the Count parameter. This defines the minimum number of poylgons in a row or column. If the coordinate range is smaller on the x-axis, this parameter will be applied to polygons rows. If the range of scale values is smaller on the y-axis, the minimum number of polygons will be used for the polygon columns.

The following figure gives an example of created heagonal polygons. It displays the number of points in the Excel spreadsheet which fall under the individual polygons. You also set a value for individual hexagon polygons. Here, you can use the Count of points, or you can use a selected statistical function you can apply to a selected column from your Excel table (For Example; Average value).

Create Layer of Tyles

The penultimate map features you can create from Excel data are Tiles – rectangular polygons. Their character is similar to the previous hexagonal polygons; the only difference is their geometry. Tiles are actually simple squares, similar to rasters, and the only difference is that they are defined in vector form. You will see additional adjustable parameters when you select Tiles in the Feature Type combo-box.

Explanation: The first two adjustable parameters define the number of generated Tiles. You set whether you want to generate tiles based on their minimum number (count) or size with the Cells Definition radio button. Then you enter the desired value in the Value text-box.

You set the Excel table column from which the values will be processed similar to the hexagons, and you define the statistical function you want to use. Generating Tiles has more feature options than the previous feature types. Here, you can set if you want tiles created in areas where there are no points by using the Allow Empty check-box. The Tile map layer example below did not allow empty tiles.