Importing Spatial Data

Defining Composites in Imported Data

As a preliminary step to actually importing your data, the import process identifies all composites that will be created by the import. A composite defines the role that a variable (or variables) plays in the spatial data, and how it should be used to represent features on the map. With the exception of the TIGER and DYNAMAP import types, which have a standard set of predefined composites, the composites are based on attributes that are found in the input data. The composites are actually created during the import. However, you have the opportunity to review the default composites before the import takes place, and you can modify them if you choose.

Once you have filled out the Input and Output sections on the GIS Spatial Data Importing window, you can click Modify Composites (before you click Import). This action will open the Import window as shown in the following display.

The Import Window for Defining Composites

[The Import Window for Defining Composites]

When the window is first displayed, only the Composites list is shown. This list contains all of the composites that will be created for the import, in addition to composites that are found in maps that are being appended to. To review a composite, click its name in the Composites list. The other fields in the window are then displayed. The values in these fields are used to define the composite.

To modify the definition of the selected composite, click Edit and all the fields will become editable. When you are finished editing, click Save if you want to save your changes or Cancel if you do not want to save the changes.

The following table describes each of the fields and their uses.

Import Window Elements for Modifying Composites
Window Elements	Use
Composite Name	This field allows you to change the composite name.
Keep/Drop	If Drop is selected, all the variables that define the composite are dropped from the spatial data sets; otherwise, they are kept.
Composite Action	This is a noneditable field and notes if the composite will be created or replaced.
Composite Type	This field defines the composite type. Modify this value by clicking the arrow next to the field and selecting one of the types from the list.
Address Type	This field is visible only for the Address composite type. Modify this value by clicking the arrow next to the field and selecting one of the types from the list.
SAS variables	The SAS variables that define the composite are listed in separate fields. There might be as many as four of these fields, depending on the composite type. You can either type in these fields, or click the arrow next to the field to access the list of available variables. You will notice, however, that the arrows are not visible until one of the other composites has been removed. Then, the list will contain the SAS variables that belonged to the composite that was removed.
Polygonal	This check box indicates whether the polygonal index data set will be created for this composite. This is valid only for Area type composites. Selecting this check box hides and displays the Index DS (Data Set) field.
Index DS	You can type in the name of the index data set or use the arrow to bring up the Select a Member window and then select a SAS data set.

The command buttons are used to perform window-wide functions. The Close button closes the window and saves all changes that you made. The Cancel button closes the window and cancels all changes that you made. The New button allows you to define a new composite. The Remove button removes the currently selected composite. The Help button accesses the Help system.

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