> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ntop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to import and use a Point Map

## Objective:

Learn how to import and use a point map.

## Applies to:

* Fields
* Ramping
* Data-Driven Design

## Procedure:

**1. Set up your CSV file**

If importing a **Scalar Point Map**, ensure your format is X, Y, Z, S, where S is the desired value at each point.

If importing a **Vector Point Map**, ensure your format is X, Y, Z, U, V, W, where U, V, and W represent the vector at each point.

<Note>
  **Note: Your table should not have headers, just the data points; it should not have blank rows at the bottom of the file.**
</Note>

<Card>
  <table><tbody> <tr> <td>  <img alt="An incorrectly formatted csv file for importing into nTop." src="https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/interop/32509338859795.png" /></td> <td>  <img alt="A correctly formatted CSV file that will import into nTop." src="https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/interop/32509293885971.png" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>It will not import correctly because of the header and blank row at the bottom</td> <td>Will import correctly</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
</Card>

**2. Import the Point Map**

* Add an **Import Scalar Point Map** block (or **Import Vector Point Map** block)
  * Set the file path
  * Choose units to correspond to the points
  * Optional: Set a scale for the Point map

![The Import Scalar Point Map block on top, and the Import Vector Point Map block on the bottom.](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/interop/34952524895891.png)

**3. Convert the Point Map to a Field**

This step is necessary to convert the point or vector data into a field. The field can then be used to edit your desired part.

* Add a **Field from Point Map** block
  * Drag and drop the imported Point Map block from Step 2.
  * Choose the [Interpolation options](/help-articles/knowledge-base/structures/what-are-interpolation-options-for-creating-a-field-from-a-point-map)

![Both overload options of the Field from Point Map block. One imports a scalar point map and the other imports a vector point map.](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/interop/34952556748307.png)

**4. Optional: Use the field to create a Ramp**

One of the most popular reasons for importing point maps is to create a ramp and use it to vary a parameter. If you would like to learn more about data-driven design, you should check out this [course](https://learn.ntop.com/courses/320-data-driven-design/).

* Add a **Ramp** block
  * Input the **Field from Point Map** block as the Scalar Field
  * Set the *In Min* and the *In Max* to correspond to the imported 'S' values from your CSV. Don't add units to these values
  * Set the *Out Min* and the *Out Max* to correspond to the parameter you want to vary. If you are varying thickness, for example, add 'mm' to these values
  * Set the *Continuity* to your desired option
* Insert the **Ramp** block into the parameter you want to vary. For example, insert the Ramp into the Thickness input of a [Periodic Lattice block.](/help-articles/knowledge-base/lattices/how-to-create-a-periodic-lattice)

![An import Scalar Point Map block inside the Point Map input of a Field from Point Map block. The Field from Point Map block is inside the Scalar Field input of a Ramp block.](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/interop/34952556750611.png)

*This is an example of using a Pressure Map to drive the lattice thickness of the Bike Seat. You can access this file from the Home Screen.*

![A bike seat model that has lattice applied based on field from point map.](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/interop/34952524904339.png)

And that's it! You've successfully imported and used a point map.

Are you still having issues? Contact the [support team](https://support.ntopology.com/hc/en-us/requests/new), and we'll be happy to help!

## Keywords:

*import ramp field map point scalar interpolation extrapolation vector how-to size*