4.1 Start with database - LUPMISManual

4.1 Start with Database

Level of expertise required for this Chapter: Advanced; general Map Maker training

Attribute data are ‘textual’ data, i.e. not graphical, not spatial, not with coordinates, but describing in quantitative terms or text. They are always linked to a feature on the map (polygon, line or point)  and do not have to follow a strict syntax.

Labels (text) and styles (numbers) are considered by some GIS programs as attribute data, but handled in Map Maker in a different way, not in an attached database, but in the original DRA file. There are various ways to transfer styles and labels to / from the database (see Chapter 6.2.9).

LUPMIS does not use any internal attribute data in Map Maker DBF files. For higher performance and better handling, all 'attributes' are stored in the MySQL database.  The only attributes used are id, display label and style (in the DRA file).

- - - - -

You can enter display labels as temporary identifiers.

When you digitize in the live layer from the beginning,

• Tab Basics will enable the entry of display labels,
  

• Tab Styles will enable the entry of style numbers.
  

If your map is already digitized, use the Edit-tool from the toolbar left, click on the label point of the feature and the window will open, to enter the display label and/or style number.

You can check, that all units have the entered, numbered identifier with the selection manager: Main menu > Edit > Show Selection Manager > Selection Manager window: Find > Find all > Find. The left column shows all identifier numbers:

- - - - -

You can edit the existing database, for example, in Excel, through standard Excel file load or in Map Maker through Main menu > Utilities > Database utilities > Edit database.

Chapter 4.2 describes how to import a (new) database / spreadsheet from Excel into Map Maker.

- - - - -

You link (‘associate’) a DBF file to a DRA file through the Project manager (right-mouse > Project manager > Select DRA file to be linked in the left panel  > Data link > Database > Choose database > Select folder and attribute (DBF) file > Open

- - - - -

More reading:
'GIS Introduction for LUPMIS: Attribute Data (Chapter 3)'.