Step 9: Set Up Mapping Software

If you have mapping software installed on your computer, such as Microsoft Streets & Trips, Microsoft MapPoint, or Google Earth Pro, you can create maps based on data in PastPerfect. PastPerfect Mapping allows you to create map data files that can be imported into your mapping software. You can create maps showing the sites where your artifacts were found, as well as map locations of your donors and members. This can be a helpful development tool, allowing you to see where you need to target your mailings to solicit memberships and donations.

To set up PastPerfect to work with your mapping software, click the Setup button on the Main Menu, then click Mapping.

Setup Mapping screen

In the field labeled Enter Path and .exe File Name to Launch Mapping Program, use the button with the three dots to navigate to the file that opens your mapping program. Examples of where this file may be are listed on the screen for your reference, although your mapping software may be installed in a different location. If you are using PastPerfect on a network, the mapping software must be installed on each workstation. The path to the executable file will be on your local hard drive. You may check to see if the path is correct by clicking the Test Launch Mapping Program button. If it is correct, your mapping program will open.

You may choose to see the import help screen when you open your mapping program through PastPerfect by clicking the check box next to Show import help screen when launching mapping program.