[021] How to Join a CSV File to a Vector Layer in Global Mapper

Link external spreadsheet data to spatial features by matching shared attributes.

This tutorial demonstrates how to perform a table join in Global Mapper. You will learn how to connect an external CSV file containing descriptive data to a point vector layer using a common identifier, allowing for efficient attribute management and expansion of your GIS datasets.

Today, we will explore a function that is essential for any GIS program: joining a CSV file to a vector layer (points, lines, or areas).

Step-by-Step CSV Attribute Join Workflow

Open your previous file and download the CSV file below.

Attachment: table.zip (Verified and safe file for Global Mapper.)

Contents of the sample CSV file showing 'name' and 'value' columns
img 1 : Contents of the sample CSV file showing 'name' and 'value' columns

The file above is quite simple, containing 'name' and 'value' columns. Since we have six points, I've created six records. Our goal is to compare the Name of the point features with the name field in the CSV file and add the corresponding value as an attribute to each point.

Matching CSV Fields With Vector Attributes

Right-click the point layer and select JOIN - Join Attribute Table/File to Layer.

Global Mapper Join Options Explained

Right-click menu on the point layer highlighting the 'JOIN' option
img 2 : Right-click menu on the point layer highlighting the "JOIN" option

A window will appear asking you to select the layer to join.

Select Join Layer
img 3 : Select Join Layer

Select "Point" and click OK. The options window will then appear.

'Join Options' window with various settings highlighted
img 4 : "Join Options" window with various settings highlighted

Join Options Breakdown:

  • File Name: Specify the CSV file you wish to join.
  • Join File Delimiter: Select the delimiter used to separate data in your file. (In this case, it's a Comma).
  • Join File Attribute: Choose the column from the external file to be used for matching. This will be "name".
  • Attributes to Copy: Select the content you want to copy. We will copy the "value" from the CSV.
  • Layer Attribute: Select the attribute of the layer to be used for matching. This will be <Feature Name>.
  • Duplicate Handling: Set how to handle duplicate data.
  • Join File Preview: You can preview the contents of the selected file here.

Configure the settings as shown above and click OK.

Join result report window showing 'Modified the attributes of 6 features'
img 5 : Join result report window showing "Modified the attributes of 6 features"

A window displaying the join results will appear. It indicates that the join was successful without any duplicates or mismatches. Click OK.

Verifying Joined Attributes in Global Mapper

Confirming Attribute Transfer Results

Now, select a point to verify that the information has been transferred correctly.

Detailed attribute list showing elevation, Height, and the new joined 'value'
img 6 : Detailed attribute list showing elevation, Height, and the new joined 'value'

I checked the information for the point named "1," and the "value" attribute has been added with the value "가" (Ga). It has been transferred perfectly.

That's all for today...

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