Reproject Point Data with Voxler 4's New Worksheet Feature

If you're familiar with our 3D data visualization software, Voxler, you're probably aware that it is a 1:1:1 modeller. This means that each dimension (X, Y, and Z) and each dataset in the project is treated as if it uses the same units. If your X and Y data use a different unit than the Z data, or if your datasets use different units, then this could result in an undesirable display. In the past, you would need to use Transform modules to correct the positioning or reproject the data in a different program, such as Surfer mapping software. Don't worry about manually transforming data or switching between programs any longer! With Voxler 4's new worksheet feature, you can quickly and easily convert your point data to use a different unit by reprojecting the data.

In this example, most of my data is in feet, but I have XY point locations measured in meters. Let's take a look at a quick and easy way to remedy this with Voxler's new worksheet!

Project created using measurements in feet, before adding point data.

The image above shows my project, which contains a HeightField module with a vector overlay (also new in Voxler 4) and a Contours module. The DXF file and both 2D lattices use feet for the X, Y, and Z values. The HeightField shows the topography of the state of Tennessee, and the contours show the average daily temperature for the month of October. I also have a data file containing points for city locations, but the point locations are defined by UTM meters, rather than State Plane feet, which is used by the rest of my data. The image below shows what happens when I import the point data in meters into the existing project and display it with a ScatterPlot module.

Project containing data using feet and data using meters for XY values.

As you can see, all of the points are jumbled up in the upper left corner and are very far away from the other data. To rectify this, I can reproject my point data in Voxler's worksheet so the points locate in the correct position, using the steps below. This workflow also takes advantage of Voxler's new hot editing feature!

1. In the Network Manager, click the data source module.
2. In the Property Manager, click the Edit Worksheet button.
3. Click the Data | New Projected Coordinates command.
4. In the New Project Coordinates dialog, set the appropriate X and Y Source Columns.
5. Click the ellipses button next to the current Source Coordinate System.
6. In the Assign Coordinate System dialog, navigate to and select the coordinate system that your data currently uses, and click OK. In this example, my point data uses North America NAD83 UTM zone 16N.
7. In the New Projected Coordinates dialog, Voxler will automatically use the first two empty columns for the Target Columns. Click the ellipses button next to Unreferenced local system.
8. In the Assign Coordinate System dialog, navigate to and select the coordinate system to which you want to reproject the data, and click OK. In this example, I'm reprojecting the data to State Plane 1983 - Tennessee (Feet).
9. Click OK in the New Projected Coordinates dialog. The new coordinates are written to the worksheet. You can save the worksheet, if you'd like.
10. Click back to the plot tab.
11. In the Property Manager, set the X and Y coordinates columns to the newly created columns. The plot will automatically update with the new data.

The image below shows the points reprojected to use the same units as the rest of the project. The points locate in their correct positions, relative to the rest of the data.

Project displaying points after being reprojected in Voxler.

These powerful new features can streamline your workflow and minimize the number of applications necessary to complete your project. Reprojecting your point data is only one of many great features available with Voxler's new worksheet support!

New copies of Voxler 4 and upgrades from previous versions are available for purchase from our shopping page. Contact voxlersupport@goldensoftware.com with any suggestions or questions you may have!