You can import points into the ALA Spatial Portal using a CSV file, or by selecting a prior upload.

Getting started

1. From the main menu, go to Import, then Points.

2. A popup will open with two options under 'Select method': Upload CSV or Previous upload.

To upload a CSV file

1. To upload a CSV file, select ‘Upload CSV’.  An additional box will appear with more specific directions to help you prepare your CSV file for upload, if it’s not already. 

2. Click ‘Choose file’ to select the CSV file for upload from your computer

3. The dataset name will automatically populate from the file name. If needed, you can edit here. Then, click Next.

4. It may take a few minutes for the data to import, and the status message will update during this time. Once complete, a success message will be shown, e.g. "Import complete: 3 records". Click Finished to exit the popup window and return to the map. 

Note: If you encounter an error message, double-check the content, column names and formatting of your csv file against the recommendations in Step 1. If you need assistance, please reach out to support@ala.org.au.

5. The correct layer name and points on the map should now be showing, and you can continue working with your data.

To add a previous upload

1. To add a previous upload to the map, select ‘Previous upload’, if it's not already selected.

2. Select your upload from the list shown, and click 'Add to map'. Note that you can search, and sort by ascending or descending order by clicking each column header.

3. The layer and points should now appear on the map behind the popup window.

4. Click Cancel to exit the import screen and continue working on the map.

5. The correct layer name and points on the map should now be showing, and you can continue working with your data.