Title:  Adding Attributed Data

Description:  Steps for adding additional columns of attributes to new or existing shape files.

Steps

1.  Open the Attribute table for a existing theme (shape file).

2.  From the Attribute window menu select Table/Start_Editing

3.  From the menu select Edit/Add_Field

4.  A Field Definition window opens in this:

1. In the Name pick window write in the new name for the attribute
2. In the Type pick window select between the four choices (string is for alpha entries)
3. In the Width pick window indicate the width of the column
4. In the Decimal Places enter a number if appropriate

5.  Now from the Icon bar go to the lower right and select the edit icon (looks like a capital I with a black arrow)

6.       Move to the cell where you wish to enter the new data and type it in

7.       Continue until all data is entered

8.       After entering last data value, be sure to hit an ENTER (if not last data point might not appear)

9. From the menu select Table/Stop_Editing and be sure to save your work under the appropriate file name (one that you want) and in the correct place (where you want it).

Originator: p. buckley

Date: 10/31/06 Updated: 10/29/08

Email: Patrick@cc.wwu.edu