How to import .shp file

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04-01-2011 08:53 AM
KHolsapple
New Contributor
I have a .shp file with associated .dbf, .prj, .sbn, .sbx, .xml, and .shx files that were created in ArcView.  How do I import these into ARCGIS so that I can use them as a layer in a map I want to make?
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14 Replies
JeffLee
New Contributor II
Click on the add data button, the one with the black + sign with the yellow lozenge in the back. that should do the trick.
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KHolsapple
New Contributor
Thank you for replying, Jeff.  I tried to add the .shp file to my "My Content" area so I could choose it when doing the add to my ArcGIS map, but I receive the message below saying it is not supported.  I don't see any other way to select the .shp file when doing an add to the ArcGIS file.  Suggestions?

This file type 'lac_trails.shp' is not supported.
ArcGIS Online supports ArcGIS map files (mxd, nmf, 3dd, sxd, ncfg, mpk, wmpk and pmf), ArcGIS layer files (lyr, lpk, and nmc), ArcGIS tools (eaz, and esriaddin), Map Templates (zip) and Desktop Application Templates (zip)
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MikeMinami
Esri Notable Contributor
Shapefiles are not supported for direct upload to arcgis.com.

Thanks,

Mike
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KHolsapple
New Contributor
Thanks, Mike

I have figured that much out ... that is what prompted me to start this thread. 

I was able to install the ArcView Free Desktop Reader which allowed me to import my .shp file and to then save my resulting maps in .nmc and .nmf formats, which ArcGIS web Explorer does support as uploads into My Content.  They are in My Content, but when I try to add them to a map in ArcGIS web Explorer, they do not show up in the pick list of My Content available to be added.  It is not clear to me why they do not show up.  Any suggestions?

Question for ESRI: isn't it logical that someone might want to display things they created in ArcView int ArcGIS web Explorer?  Isn't there a strategy for doing that?
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MikeMinami
Esri Notable Contributor
The web map only supports adding layers from services running on a GIS server. In the future, our goal is to host services for you, but this will be a premium (for fee) capability.

Thanks,

Mike
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JudithBock
New Contributor II
Allowing the addition of shp files would be a HUGE advancement for educational purposes.  For example, I would like to have my students add National Atlas shp files to ArcGIS Explorer Online and create presentations.  Looks like the only way to display this info is to create own layer points.  Correct?

I really like ArcGIS Explorer Online for educational purposes - bring this type of technology to not-so-advanced everyday users (teachers and classrooms).  But feel VERY limited in using it educationally.

Seems I should be able to add shp files and lyr packages easily to this format - but can't.
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NathanBrown1
New Contributor
Im trying to do the same thing..........So why does ESRI let you upload items and not use them????  Just so I understand, there's no way to show anything of mine on Arcgis Online??
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MikeMinami
Esri Notable Contributor
Everything you upload can be shared. Many people share files that are downloaded and viewed with another client (like ArcMap). But only map services running on ArcGIS Server can be displayed over the ArcGIS.com map viewer. We are working on enhancing our system to allow you to upload and display your data over the map. Behind the scenes, we'd be creating a service out of your data. This will be a premium feature.

Thanks,

Mike
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KeithAubin
New Contributor III
I hope this happens soon, even if it is paid (as long as its reasonable), because right now ArcGIS.com is really not much better than a file drop box. All of the promotional material eludes being able to upload and share your own data in custom maps. It was a HUGE disappointment to find out this was not possible. It should be made much more clear that layer packages are not supported for anything other than sharing by downloading. Having to spend tens of thousands of dollars on ArcGIS Sever just to put files in online maps is crazy.

Do you have any time frame on when this service will be available? Is it weeks, months, years?

Also any info on when the ArcGIS Explorer Android app will be available would be great too.

Thanks
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