XL: Zip Codes in Data Map Must Be Formatted with Zip Code Style

ID: Q131929

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

If you select a column of unformatted zip codes and you attempt to create a Data Map object from this information, you will receive the following error message in Microsoft Excel version 7.0:

A column of data in your selection must contain geographical data.
In Microsoft Excel 97, no error message displays, but no data populates the chart.


CAUSE

When you create a Data Map object based on zip codes, the zip codes must be formatted with the special Zip Code number format.


WORKAROUND

To format a range of zip codes, use the following steps:

  1. On the Format menu, click Cells.


  2. Click the Number tab.


  3. In the Category list, click Special.


  4. In the Type list, click the Zip Code or the Zip Code + 4 format.



STATUS

This behavior is by design to prevent the possible misinterpretation of numeric data as zip codes.

Additional query words: 8.00 97 


Keywords          : kbualink97 xlmap 
Version           : WINDOWS:7.0,97
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        :

Last Reviewed: May 2, 1999