Exercise 1: Set up your data

For this tutorial, several examples of maps and data are included to illustrate the many uses of MapPoint. One in particular is a sample Microsoft Excel workbook (SampData.xls) that contains fictitious customer and sales information. You will use this file in most of the exercises.

Step 1: Open the sample data file

In Windows Explorer, browse to C:\Program Files\Microsoft MapPoint 2009\Samples\, and double-click the SampData.xls file.

Note  This is the default installation location. If you installed MapPoint in a different location, use Search or Find in Windows Explorer to locate the file.

Step 2: Make sure that each worksheet contains complete location information

Examine each worksheet and confirm that it contains complete location information.

Each data set that you want to map must contain at least one column of location information so that MapPoint knows where to place your records on the map. The more columns of location information you have, the easier it is for MapPoint to accurately map your data. For example, if a worksheet contains street addresses in the U.S., it should also have a column for city, state, and ZIP Code at a minimum. Even if all your records are in the same city, include as many columns of location information as possible.

Step 3: Make sure that the top row of each worksheet contains logical headings

Examine each worksheet and confirm that the column headings reflect the information contained in the columns.

Make sure that the top row of your data file contains logical headings so that MapPoint can accurately recognize various types of data in the worksheet. For example, a logical heading for a column that contains city names is "City." Also, it is important that you use the first row of spreadsheets for column headings. Do not begin your spreadsheet with blank rows or spreadsheet titles.

Now that you've confirmed that your data has location information and logical column headings, you can begin creating data maps.

  Move on to Exercise 2: View your current sales figures.

  Go back to the MapPoint Tutorial start page and try another exercise.