SpatialXL and RouteXL FAQ

1. What is SpatialXL?

A PrimeThought Software Solutions product that gives spatial capability (in the form of a map and other features) to Microsoft Excel. It allows to you to map your data, create layers, theme your data, analyse information, create dashboards and so much more.

2. Why use SpatialXL?

• SpatialXL is highly beneficial for clients who are comfortable working in an Excel environment, and don’t have formal training in GIS. Even for those with formal training, it is a simpler and faster way to work.

• It can integrate between various datasets.

• SpatialXL is able to import & reference client specific data such as customer data –locations, values, and link directly to external datasets such as population demographics and others and even directly to databases. There are instant map updates as data is added or changed, filtered or queried.

• SpatialXL is simple and easy to use.

• SpatialXL provides much of the advanced functionality that fully fledged GIS products offer e.g. heat mapping, spatial analysis, thematics and routing, but is still simple enough for any user to manipulate.

3. What is RouteXL?

An add-in to SpatialXL. There are two versions of RouteXL.

RouteXL and RouteXL Plus (which is inclusive of the basic RouteXL version.)

RouteXL – Drive Time or Distance analysis, Travelling Salesman, Set-to-Set Routing allocations, Point-to-Point routing, Matrix route calculations

RouteXL Plus –also known as QVR (Quantitative Vehicle Routing) –Optimized fleet planning and routing with different truck sizes, demands per point, shift times, time at depot, delay time and time windows. Optimized by time, distance or cost.

4. What is the difference between SpatialXL and RouteXL?

SpatialXL delivers spatial analytics and spatial capability in Microsoft Excel. This is an add-in to Microsoft Excel.

RouteXL is optimized routing and transportation scheduling. This is an add-in to SpatialXL. Your routes can be viewed on your map with all sorts of theming etc.

5. What machine specs are recommended to use SpatialXL/RouteXL?

SpatialXL/RouteXL will run on most modern machines. It is recommended for advanced use to have a:

64-bit Operating System
Windows 10 or above
Microsoft Office 2016 (or above recommended) (64-bit version)
Core i5 processor (or above recommended)
8/16GB of RAM (or above)

6. Is there a way to secure data when using SpatialXL?

Your data is as secure as the data in your original spreadsheet or database is. SpatialXL also allows you to use some formats that are not widely published if you need additional security. Spatial Reader files can be published with passwords, expiry dates and set to not allow data to be copiable which provides additional security of Reader files.

7. What file types are supported by SpatialXL?

SpatialXL has been designed to support almost every kind of spatial file such as Shape files, Image files, Engineering files, and also connects to databases. It supports over 30 different file formats.

8. How does one report SpatialXL/RouteXL user problems?

You may contact one of our technical support teams and we will gladly assist you with anything that is needed. We provide an email address and a support telephone number and will allocate a support person to you.

9. How large can a workbook be?

A workbook can contain several Gigabytes of information.

10. What support is offered with the purchase of SpatialXL/RouteXL?

There is official training with User Guides and instruction videos with one or more of our Delivery staff.

If there are any technical issues and you can’t correct this using our ‘Help’ feature or User Guides, our technical team will gladly assist. Simply email support@primethought.biz to open a ticket.