What is Windows Location?

Windows Location is a comprehensive service run by Microsoft that is designed to determine the precise geographic location of a Windows device. This service is integral to the functionality of various apps and features within the Windows operating system. By utilizing a combination of location-determining technologies such as global positioning service (GPS), wireless access points, cell towers, and IP addresses, Windows Location provides users with the ability to receive location-based services like directions, nearby shop and restaurant information, and traffic alerts.

The service allows for a high degree of user control, with settings that enable users to manage which Windows features and apps have access to their device's location, as well as handling location history information. Desktop apps, which can access location data without separate permission, and apps from the Microsoft Store must adhere to these user-specified Windows location settings. Geofencing is another feature provided by Windows Location, allowing apps to deliver services or information when a device enters a specific geographic area, with this functionality being contingent on the app having permission to use the device's location.

Location data is a key aspect of the Windows Location service, stored on Windows 10 devices and including information derived from GPS, Bing, and Microsoft Health. While some location data can be managed through the privacy dashboard, certain types of location data, such as those associated with apps, devices, and content, may not appear there. Windows Location is essential for both everyday use and critical scenarios, such as providing location information for emergency calls.

Windows Location Plugins for Excel

Understanding Excel Add-Ins

Excel add-ins provide optional commands and features for Microsoft Excel. These add-ins are not immediately available by default and must be installed and activated to use them. While some Excel add-ins are built in, such as Solver and the Analysis ToolPak, others may be downloaded from the Download Center or created by third parties. They can be COM add-ins, VBA add-ins, and DLL add-ins, and might be available in the Data, Home, and other tabs in Excel once installed.

Installation of Excel Add-Ins

To install an Excel add-in, it can be acquired from several sources. Some add-ins are available to install from Downloads, other websites, a server, or directly using the Store option in Excel. It's important to follow the installation instructions specific to the add-in being installed.

Excel Add-Ins for Geolocation

The A.CRE Geocoding Excel Add-in is one such plugin that deals with geolocation, capable of converting addresses to latitude and longitude coordinates and vice versa. This add-in uses the Google Geocoding API and must have an active Google Geocoding API key to function correctly. The add-in can be downloaded for free and operates on a \"Pay What You're Able\" basis. It is important to note that this add-in should be installed on Excel 2013 for PC or newer and is not tested on older versions.

Managing Excel Add-Ins

Once an Excel add-in like the A.CRE Geocoding Excel Add-in is installed, it may be activated or deactivated as needed. If issues arise, such as cells returning blank or a 'REQUEST_DENIED' error, it may be due to the add-in being disabled or the Google API key not being set up correctly. To uninstall an add-in, users can navigate to the Excel Options and uncheck the box next to the add-in's name, in this case, 'A.CRE Geocoding Add-in'.

Working with Geolocation Data in Excel

To integrate geolocation data in Excel, users can employ map charts and 3D maps. Map charts are useful for comparing values and showing categories across geographical regions, using geography data types like country, state, county, city, or postal code. However, it's important to note that map charts can only plot high-level geographic data and do not support latitude/longitude and street address mapping. For more multi-dimensional detail, 3D maps can be utilized, which require an online connection for creating new maps and adding data to existing maps.

Common Use Cases

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  Use case 1: Tracking and logging geolocation data of a users device into an Excel sheet for analysis.
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  Use case 2: Setting up location update watches in an OutSystems application and exporting the received data to Excel for reporting.
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  Use case 3: Using the plugin to retrieve current location information and converting it into the Geography data type in Excel to extract additional details like population or time zone.
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  Use case 4: Integrating real-time GPS capabilities into Excel to enhance location-based data visualization in spreadsheets.
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  Use case 5: Correcting and validating geographic data in Excel using the plugins capability to suggest correct data for mismatches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Windows Location plugin for Excel?

The Windows Location plugin for Excel makes the program's functions available to Excel.

What can I do if Excel remembers the wrong location for the add-in?

You can temporarily fix this issue by uninstalling the add-in, then browsing to the new location and reinstalling it.

Does the issue reoccur after closing and reopening Excel?

Yes, the problem reoccurs when Excel is closed and reopened.

How can I solve the problem with Excel remembering the wrong location for the add-in permanently?

Editing the file name/location registry entry or deleting it may solve the problem permanently.

Is there a simpler solution to fix the incorrect location memory issue?

A simpler solution involves deleting the add-in from the list, reopening Excel, and then installing from the new location to get Excel to remember the new location.