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).
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.