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Data Processing Tour: Geospatial Spreadsheets


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Outline of this video

  • Next GPS / GIS items after the previous video, but this time it is on geospatial spreadsheets
  • Example of Johannesburg wastewater treatment plants
  • It is simply a spreadsheet, that has the contents outlined below, where the columns and rows can be seen
  • With a first scan, it can be seen if the contents look good or not. In the example, it can be seen that it actually doesn't look good, because the column headers should be in black, but they are not.
  • M2:06, no this file is not good and we would like to upload a different file.
  • Every single cell in the spreadsheet should contain the right info for the column and the row that it is in
  • There should be one top row with the headers.
  • In the example, it has two headers and style, but the system doesn't read that.
  • Information should not spread across 2 or more merged cells.
  • There can be a comments column where notes can be placed.
  • Blank cells are not a problem
  • The source link also creates an issue by being in the header.
  • The right place to put the link is to add it to the metadata of the file.
  • Latitude and longitude check; especially if you are new to a city, then it is good to check that. This can be done by copying the codes into google maps and seeing where it takes you. You should learn what is roughly expected for the GPS coordinates.
  • In the example, the coordinates bring us to Egypt, which is wrong, as we are dealing with Johannesburg.
  • It seems that all that was forgotten was the minus.
  • Latitude and longitude should be in a format with the correct degrees, then the dot (".") and then the decimals. In the editing program it should be seen as numbers, not as text.
  • Save the file, go back to browser, add it there and delete the other one.
  • M9:05, The system can then read the file. The columns are picked up correctly and the content looks good.
  • Now, the system needs to know which of these columns is what. The order of the columns doesn't matter. We tell the system what each column means.
  • There are a couple of things that are required: name, longitude, latitude, description and optional field
  • For each column, it needs to be decided what it is. Address is included as optional and the comments too.
  • Clicking next, brings you to the place where you add or confirm the document details and data quality info.
  • Then save and publish. The system then shows the interactive map with dots on it. Each single item that was now added can be opened up to see the additional info.
  • Should be a straightforward process and with some practice you will get the hang of it.

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