Map-plotting Software

October 14, 2010 11:07 AM

Map-plotting / excel filter: I have precise latitude and longitude coordinates in excel for approximately 100-200 different locations. These locations are all located in a certain region of the U.S. What software can I use (free or paid) to populate a nice looking summary map with each of these locations? I need this to look presentable for client purposes.
posted by jameslavelle3 to Computers & Internet (5 answers total)

Best answer: batchgeo.com will take your spreadsheet coordinates and put them plot them in Google Maps. I don't know if that is enough, but it might be a good start and it is free and easy.
posted by ChrisHartley at 11:19 AM on October 14, 2010

Best answer: Path of least resistance/most documentation: There are a lot of tools out there to convert a CSV or Excel file full of lat/long coordinates to KML. KML is the file type for Google Earth.

Here's one

http://www.earthpoint.us/ExcelToKml.aspx

Once you have a KML, you can bring it into Google Earth and play with turning on and off layers and zooming in and out, and then taking a screen capture. You can also edit the .kml file to change the styling of points, etc.
posted by bendybendy at 11:23 AM on October 14, 2010

Best answer: GIS software, whether it be open source or proprietary, is what you want. Also better and better web-based map generationis out there these days.

[n.b. ESRI's software requires coordinates to be in decimal degrees rather than degree-minute-second format. I don't know if the web map is the same way.]
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 12:20 PM on October 14, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks all. 3 great options to explore.
posted by jameslavelle3 at 5:07 PM on October 14, 2010

For a much nicer-looking, higher-end solution than what was referenced above, look no further than Tableau (http://www.tableausoftware.com). Fully functional 21 day trial. Literally 3 clicks to get what you want done, and lots of display options.
posted by blindcarboncopy at 7:41 PM on October 14, 2010