MapInfo Pro allows you to use data that was created in other file formats. When you bring data into MapInfo Pro for the first time, you need to specify its format. For example, if your data is in delimited ASCII format, choose Delimited ASCII from the File Format drop-down list.
Data file choices include:
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- dBASE DBF
- ESRI shapefiles
- Raster Images
- Grid Images
- ASCII Delimited Text
- Lotus 1-2-3
- Remote Databases (Oracle, SQL Server, PostGIS)
- Workspace
- Comma Delimited CSV files
- GeoPackage
For database versions that MapInfo Pro supports, see the MapInfo Pro Install Guide.
When you choose a particular file format, the File Name box will only list files that have the appropriate extension. For example, if you choose dBASE DBF from the File Format drop-down list, MapInfo Pro will only list files that are in dBASE format.
When you choose a file other than a MapInfo-formatted file type, MapInfo Pro creates a table structure for that data based on the type of file that it is.
When you open that table in future work sessions, MapInfo Pro will treat these files as if they were in MapInfo Pro's native format. The next time you want to open the table, you should choose the .TAB format for the table. If you accidentally attempt to open the file again with its original file format, MapInfo Pro prompts you with the message:
Table definition already exists. Overwrite it?
This message displays because MapInfo Pro has already created a table for that file. To use the file you have already created, click Cancel and open the associated .TAB file.
Also keep in mind that MapInfo Pro supports long filenames and UNC paths. The UNC paths allow you to access your data without having to remember your drive mappings from one session to another.
To display your table in the Map window, your data must contain X and Y coordinates. If it does not already, you can add them using MapInfo Pro. Assigning these coordinates is called geocoding.
For more information about geocoding, see Putting Your Data on the Map.
For instructions on how to display your data files, see:
- Displaying your Excel (.XLS or .XLSX) Data
- Displaying your Access (.MDB or .ACCDB) Data
- Displaying your Comma Delimited CSV Data
- Displaying your dBase Data
- Displaying your Lotus 1-2-3 Data
- Displaying your ESRI Shapefile Data
- Displaying your GeoPackage Data
- Registering and Displaying your ASCII Data
- Importing and Displaying GML File Data
- Working with Data in a DBMS
- Working with Data from a Web Service