ACC: Data Used for Data Map Must Match Predefined Format

• Microsoft Access versions 7.0, 97

SYMPTOMS

Moderate: Requires basic macro, coding, and interoperability skills.

You may receive one of the following error messages when you try to create a map using the Microsoft Map feature in Microsoft Access 97 or the Data Map feature in Microsoft Access version 7.0:

In Microsoft Access 97 using Microsoft Excel 97

    The following data from your worksheet is not recognized as geographic
    data.

    The Data Map requires you use one of the sample templates for
    your data format.

CAUSE

Your data source does not match one of the predefined formats in the Mapstats.xls template.

RESOLUTION

Make sure your data matches the data in the sample template Mapstats.xls. The file is located in the following folder:

   C:\Program Files\Common Files\ Microsoft Shared\Datamap\Data

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Excel 7.0 and 97 include a mapping feature you can use to create a map based on data you have stored in a spreadsheet or table. The mapping feature is called Microsoft Map (Datamap in Microsoft Excel 7.0) and is made available by an add-in that you load in Microsoft Excel. Once loaded, the feature is available to you by clicking Object on the Insert menu.

In Microsoft Access 7.0 and 97, you can create a map from existing data that resides in a table or query. However, the data must match one of the predefined formats in the Mapstats.xls template.

Making sure your data matches the Mapstats.xls template is the key to getting your map to accurately display the data you want from your table or query.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Open a database in Microsoft Access 7.0 or 97.

2. Create a new form in Design view.

3. Click Object on the Insert menu.

4. In the Insert Object dialog box, under Object Type, click to select Microsoft Map (Data Map in Microsoft Access version 7.0), and then click OK.

   NOTE: If the Microsoft Map does not appear in the list box, install it by running setup for Microsoft Excel 7.0 or 97 and adding the map feature.

5. To create a map, click External Data on the Insert menu.

6. Click to select Microsoft Access, and then click OK.

7. In the Open Database dialog box, click Northwind.mdb.

8. Click the Orders table, click the arrow button to add the CustomerId and ShipCountry fields to the "Fields To Display In Map" list box, and then click OK.

9. Note that the Microsoft Map displays a dialog box as follows:

         The following data from your worksheet is not recognized as
         geographic data:
   

            USA
            Change to:
   
   

REFERENCES

For more information about using data to create a map, search for "maps" and then "About displaying data in a map," using the Microsoft Excel 97 Help Index.