> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.k2geospatial.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.k2geospatial.com/en2/administrator/jmap-server-administrator-manual/spatial-data-sources/creating-spatial-data-sources.md).

# Creating Spatial Data Sources

To begin creating a new spatial data source, go to the **Spatial data** section and click on **Create**. Certain parameters are common to all data sources, while others are specific to each type of data source.

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="181.5"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Identification</strong></td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>Name</td><td><p>Enter a name for the new spatial data source. </p><p>The name must be unique.</p></td></tr><tr><td>Type</td><td><p>Select the type of data source that matches the type of the data to read. </p><p>All supported data source types are shown in the list. </p><p>You can also search the list by typing a few letters in the search field.</p></td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td><p>Optionally enter a description for the new spatial data source. </p><p>This description can only be viewed by the JMap administrator.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>

Note that custom data source types may also exist. These are new types of data sources that are developed for special purposes using the JMap SDK.

The next configuration steps will depend on the data source type you selected. For more information on configuring a specific type of spatial data source, refer to the appropriate section in this manual.

## Projections

The projection of the data source must be selected to match the projection of the data. If this parameter is not set correctly, the data displayed may be invalid.

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="192.5"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Projections</strong></td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>Original projection</td><td>The projection or spatial coordinate system of the data in the data source.</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Note**: At the last stage of creating a spatial data source, the **Start update automatically** option allows you to initiate the update when you click on **Finish**. If you do not select this option, you will have to launch the update manually from the spatial data section in order for your changes to be taken into account.