![Database before](https://ourlocality.org/communitymapping/files/2010/03/Database-before-150x150.jpg)
Although this is not difficult, it can be headache to prepare your data.
There are a few steps:
- Create a database file with attribute data in Excel
- The first column should be named ‘ID’ corresponding to the ID in Map Maker.
- The database id must match ONLY one label in the .dra file (remember you can edit the .dbf file from the Project Manager Data link menu or Utilities, Edit Database).
- The spreadsheet can ONLY have as many rows (ex the title row) as there are mapping units (lines, polygons which are best not mixed!).
- Also, the ID column must be text format and any formulas converted to values.
- There should be no empty values (remember to use the default -99 for missing values)
- Save this file as an .dbf (or .xls file, though this can be problematical)
- When this is done, you can import into MapMaker.
- This is done through the Project Manager, and the layer that you wish to link to (chose .xls from the drop down).
![Database after](https://ourlocality.org/communitymapping/files/2010/03/Database-after-150x150.jpg)
This process is by no means simple, especially if your database and polygon files are complex and reference to the Map Maker manual is highly advisable.