Working with Global Parameters :: SAS(R) Visual Analytics 7.1: User's Guide

About Global Parameters

Global parameters enable you to specify a variable whose value can be changed globally at any time. You can use global parameters in filters, calculated items, and aggregated measures.

If your selected visualization contains a data item or filter that uses a global parameter, then the parameter appears on the Parameters tab. The same value for the parameter is used globally in your exploration for all filters, calculated items, and aggregations that include the parameter.

Note: Global parameters are shown on the Parameters tab only if a data item or filter that uses the global parameter is used in the selected visualization.

Create a Global Parameter

You can create a global parameter during the process of editing a filter, calculated item, or aggregated measure.

In the expression editor, right-click the Parameter heading in the Data Items list, and then select Create Parameter.
Specify the Name of the parameter.
Specify the Type for the parameter. You can select either Numeric or Character.
For character parameters, specify the Current value for the parameter.

For numeric parameters, specify the following:

Minimum value

specifies the minimum possible value for the parameter.

Maximum value

specifies the maximum possible value for the parameter.

Current value

specifies the current value for the parameter.

Format

specifies the data format for the parameter.
Click OK to save the parameter.
Finish editing your item. If you close the expression editor window without saving, then your new parameter is not saved.

Set the Value for a Global Parameter

If your selected visualization contains a global parameter, then the parameter appears on the Parameters tab.

For a numeric parameter, either drag the slider to adjust the value or click the value below the slider to edit the value.

For a character parameter, enter the value in the text field.

Edit a Global Parameter

To edit the settings for a parameter, follow these steps:

On the Parameters tab, select the drop-down list for the parameter, and then select Edit.
For character parameters, specify the Current value for the parameter.

For numeric parameters, specify the following:

Minimum value

specifies the minimum possible value for the parameter.

Maximum value

specifies the maximum possible value for the parameter.

Current value

specifies the current value for the parameter.

Format

specifies the data format for the parameter.
Click OK to apply your changes.

Delete a Global Parameter

To delete a global parameter, follow these steps:

Edit a filter, calculated item, or aggregated measure.
In the Data Items list, right-click the parameter that you want to delete, and then select Delete Parameter.

Note: You can delete a global parameter only if it is not used by any filters, calculated items, or aggregated measures.
Finish editing your item, and then click OK.

Note: If you close the expression editor window without saving, then the parameter is not deleted.