Using Spatial Data with SAS/GIS Software

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) play in the spatial data, and how they 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. Then, during the import, the composites are actually created. 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 select [Modify Composites] (before you select [Import]). This action will open the Import window as shown in Reviewing and Editing Composite Definitions.

Reviewing and Editing Composite Definitions

[IMAGE]

When the window is first displayed, only the Composites list is shown. This list contains all of the composites that will be created for this import, in addition to composites that are found in maps that are being appended to. To review a composite, click on its name in the Composites list box. 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.

Import Window Fields and Buttons for Modifying Composites describes each of the fields and their uses.

Import Window Fields and Buttons for Modifying Composites
Text Fields/Buttons Type Use

Composite Name Text Allows you to change the composite name.

Keep/Drop Button If Drop is selected, all the variables that define the composite are dropped from the spatial data sets; otherwise, they are kept.

Composite Action Text This is an noneditable field and notes if the composite will be created or replaced.

Composite Type Text This field defines the composite type. Modify this value by clicking the down arrow next to the field and selecting one of the types from the list.

Address Type Text This field is visible only for the Address composite type. Modify this value by clicking the down arrow next to the field and selecting one of the types from the list.

SAS variables Text The SAS variables that define the composite are listed in separate fields. There may be as many as four of these fields, depending on the composite type. You may either type in these fields, or click the pull-down control next to the field to access the list of available variables. You'll notice, however, that the pull-down controls aren't 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 Checkbox This checkbox indicates whether polygonal index data set will be created for this composite. This is valid only for Area type composites. Toggling this checkbox hides and displays the Index DS (Data Set) field.

Index DS Text You may type in the name of the index data set or use the pull-out control to bring up the Select a Member window to select a SAS data set.

***Import Window Fields and Buttons for Modifying Composites***
Text Fields/Buttons	Type	Use
Composite Name	Text	Allows you to change the composite name.
Keep/Drop	Button	If Drop is selected, all the variables that define the composite are dropped from the spatial data sets; otherwise, they are kept.
Composite Action	Text	This is an noneditable field and notes if the composite will be created or replaced.
Composite Type	Text	This field defines the composite type. Modify this value by clicking the down arrow next to the field and selecting one of the types from the list.
Address Type	Text	This field is visible only for the Address composite type. Modify this value by clicking the down arrow next to the field and selecting one of the types from the list.
SAS variables	Text	The SAS variables that define the composite are listed in separate fields. There may be as many as four of these fields, depending on the composite type. You may either type in these fields, or click the pull-down control next to the field to access the list of available variables. You'll notice, however, that the pull-down controls aren't 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	Checkbox	This checkbox indicates whether polygonal index data set will be created for this composite. This is valid only for Area type composites. Toggling this checkbox hides and displays the Index DS (Data Set) field.
Index DS	Text	You may type in the name of the index data set or use the pull-out control to bring up the Select a Member window to 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.

Chapter Contents
Previous
Next
Top of Page