If you have a spreadsheet containing spatial positions and attributes, you can create a layer or new feature class from the data in the table.

Add the table to your map

Spreadsheets can be added to ArcGIS for Desktop like other data, through the Add Data dialog box. Once added to the map, you can open the table and view the records; however, you will not be able to edit or export the records.

Create point features from the table

Using the Table to Point tool you can create point features from the table you just added to the map.

1. Open the Table to Point tool from the Import and Conversion toolbox.
2. Select the table in your map as the Input Table.
3. Select the appropriate coordinate notation for the data in your table as the Input Coordinate Format.
4. Select the field that contains the coordinate data as the X Fieldand Y Field.
5. For Output Points, select the directory and type in the name for the output feature class that will be created.
6. Click OK to run the tool.

A new point feature class is created from the data in your table, and a new point feature class is created.