If you have an existing database of records/locations you wish to import into Ultimate Locator, it can be done via the Import Locations tool.
On the navigation menu, click the link that says "Import Records" to bring up the import file selection screen.
Format for Import Files:
To import a file of locations to your system, you must have a standard text file that has Comma separated values (CSV). The file must also contain all the required fields necessary for importing to your MySQL database. The import file may contain thousands of location records, but they must be one per line.
The easiest way to create your import file is to export your database from Microsoft Access or Microsoft Excel, to a Comma delimited file. But before you export, you need to create the necessary fields inside your Access or Excel file.
Each record must contain the following fields (even if a blank field). Note their are 23 fields total
|
Field Name: |
Max Size: |
Required: |
Example Data: |
Location Name: |
name |
50 Characters |
Yes |
Albertsons |
Address 1: |
address1 |
70 Characters |
No |
123 Main St. |
Address 2: |
address2 |
70 Characters |
No |
Suite 4 |
City: |
city |
70 Characters |
No |
Dallas |
State: |
state |
40 Characters |
No |
TX (2 letter state code) |
Country: |
country |
100 Characters |
No |
US (2 letter country code) |
Zip Code: |
zip |
7 Characters |
Yes |
76500 |
Telephone: |
telephone |
15 Characters |
No |
214-555-1212 |
Fax: |
fax |
15 Characters |
No |
214-555-3434 |
Email: |
100 Characters |
No |
info@albertsons.com |
|
Website: |
website |
100 Characters |
No |
www.albertsons.com (no http:// needed) |
User 1 Field: |
user1 |
unlimited |
No |
Any text |
User 2 Field: |
user2 |
unlimited |
No |
Any text |
User 3 Field: |
user3 |
unlimited |
No |
Any text |
User 4 Field: |
user4 |
unlimited |
No |
Any text |
User 5 Field: |
user5 |
unlimited |
No |
Any text |
Rank Level: |
pref |
1 Number |
Yes |
1=Level 1, 2=Level 2, 3=Level 3, 4=Level 4 |
Hidden: |
hide |
1 Number |
Yes |
0=Display 1=Hide |
# of Hits: |
hits |
10 Numbers |
Yes |
0 |
Needs Approval: |
aprove |
1 Number |
Yes |
0=No, 1=Yes |
Visitor Name |
vname |
50 |
no |
John Smith |
Visitor Email |
vemail |
50 |
no |
johnsmith@isp.com |
Visitor Date |
vdate |
10 Characters |
no |
2006-07-31 |
It is important for us to mention that the Rank, Hide and Approve fields have the following rules:
Description: |
Field Name: |
Possible Values: |
Recommended Field Value: |
Ranked Locations: |
pref |
1 = Level 1 location (always prints top of list)
2 = Level 2 location (always prints after level 1)
3 = Level 3 location (always prints after level 2)
4 = Level 4 location (always prints last) 4 |
4 |
Hidden Value: |
hide |
0 = No, do not hide this location
1 = Yes, hide this location from displaying |
0 |
Needs Admin Approval:
For visitor added locations,but value of '0' is needed |
aprove |
0 = No, this location does not need approval
1 = Yes, this location is pending admin approval
If set to 1, will hide location until admin approves location from the Pending List
|
0 |
Visitor Name
For visitor added locations,but field is needed, even if blank |
vname |
blank or some common name |
blank |
Visitor Email
For visitor added locations,but field is needed, even if blank |
vemail |
blank or an email address |
blank |
Visitor Date
For visitor added locations, but field is needed, even if blank |
vdate |
blank or date of creation |
blank |
Sample Import Files:
If you would like to download sample starter import files, in MS Excel and CSV formats, then please click the following link:
Download the zip file with Sample Import Files
* Note: you can not import an Excel file directly into Ultimate Locator. You always must export from MS Excel into a Comma Separated (CSV) file first. Use 'File' - 'Save As' to export into a CSV file.
How to Import Locations into the Locator:
Select your Import File:
Once you bring up the "Import Locations" screen, you will be given a chance to select your import file and also select which "Action" you wish to perform during the uploading and importing.
You will have two choices on which file you wish to import. You can select a file that is already on your server or you can import a new file from your computer.
Option 1: File on Server
This list will show you files that are located on your server in the /locator/dbackup folder. These files are automatically created during an export. Select the one that you wish to use. If you have a large import file (over 2MB) then you should FTP your file to your server, in the /locator/dbackup folder, give it a name that starts with Locations, then select if from this list.
Option 2: Upload new File
Click on the "Browse" button to bring up the "Choose File" window.
Navigate to the directory on your computer where you have stored your import file.
Once you have located the file, select the file and then click the Ok or Open button.
Select Action:
Append:
Select the Append option, if you wish to ADD the locations in your import file to your current database.. This action will not delete any locations in your existing database, and will simply append (add) your imported locations to your existing database.
Overwrite:
Select the Overwrite option, if you you wish to completely erase your existing database and start from scratch with the locations in your import file.
When you are satisfied with your choices, you may click the "Import" button to begin uploading and importing your file.
Special Note:
It is very important that your import file has all fields necessary to populate the locations table. A quick scan is performed during an import and the number of fields is verified. If your import has more than or less than the correct number of fields, import will skip those records and they will not get imported. See the top of this page for the layout of fields necessary to import.
Attn: MAC Users:
If you are using a MAC computer, and are planning on importing your locations from a file, there is one step you must do before your import will work correctly.
If you have a list of locations in MS excel and then save the file as a TABBED TEXT file, you must also choose the "Windows Text" option.
Your text file must be saved with Windows ANSI file formatting. Choosing the Windows Text option should do this for you.