WIM Data Analysts Manual

Appendix C.

This appendix contains a sample set of procedures for WIM data import, specifically ASCII truck record data.

Is it difficult to import ASCII truck record data into a spreadsheet? No, not once the procedure has been set up. Following is a quick walk-through of how it is done using Excel and the ASCII vehicle records conforming to that specified by LTPP's model specifications (following):

Each field included in the ASCII file is entered into the Excel worksheet's Row A in the same sequence as those fields in the ASCII file. The column widths can be adjusted and the cell formats fixed after playing a bit with the first few imports. To perform the import, start with the cursor in cell A2:

Then go to Excel Menu's

Data -> Import External Data -> Import Data

Browse to the directory in which the ASCII vehicle record files are stored and locate the vehicle records text data file to import. (Remember - need to look in files of "all types" to locate text files):

In the Text Import Wizard window's "Step 1 of 3" check "Delimited," then click "Next":

In the "Step 2 of 3" window, make sure only the "Comma" box is checked, then click on "Finish":

Click "Properties" in the "Import Data" window that appears:

Uncheck"Adjust column width" and then click "OK":

Make sure the "Import Data" box's "Existing worksheet" = $A$2, then click "OK" to perform the import:

All of the data field cells for columns A thru AN should populate for the number of records contained in the data file (starting in row 2):

At such time that the import works well and the cells have been formatted as desired, delete all data from the spreadsheet and save (perhaps as a "template," or similar) with some pertinent file name to use for all future data imports. Remember that once the original spreadsheet has been populated with "new" data, save it with a different file name (perhaps site identifier and date).

Contact

Mike Moravec
Office of Transportation Performance Management
202-366-3982
E-mail Mike