This page specifies all the sources of data for the map.
Choose an optional DSD from which data can be selected. Data can be obtained from files in the fSeries Data folder fMaps/Points instead of or as well as the designated DSD.
Base Location is the optional Unique Id of the location record that is to be considered the base location (used for comparisons).
Locs Unique Id is the name of the column in the locations data that represents its unique id. Default is UniqueId.
Location data can be a combinatuion of data from multiple DSD Data Groups and saved json files. Check each that is to be included from the list provided.
A Headings data group may be selected if a DSD has been specified. This (or its first row) is used to provide values to insert in headings and instructions based on data gathered for the map (using #column# placeholders).
Location data can be also be set by specific layers. In this case each set of location data is set within the specified layer, overriding the layer found in the data itself.
Note that there are some designated layer names for specific purposes:
- Landmark – points are inactive and are for display only
- Areas – each location represents an area in an Areas map
- Heat – locations form part of the heat / density layer
Location Data
Location data can be gathered using a DSD and/or files in the fSeries Data folder fMaps/Points. The location data will be merged from all data groups and Points files that you specify.
No matter where the data is obtained from there are certain fields that are used in the map.
Layer – it must either have a field called Layer, or the data group or file be specified as part of a designated layer (in which case the location is set as a member of that layer). If neither, fMaps will set the locations layer as “Default”. Layers are important as they can be used to specify various things such colours, icons, links, behaviours.
Location – the location of the map point can be specified in one of four ways, in this order of precedence:
- With Lat and Lng fields for latitude and longitude values
- With LatLng field containing comma separated latitude,longitude
- (Areas map only) From the centre point of the area associated with the point
- With Location field containing address details sufficient for Bing Maps to geolocate it (e.g. first line of address and postcode)
If a valid lat/lng position on the map cannot be established, the location is considered an error.
Note that Bing Maps requires lat/lng positions. Tools are provided to convert from UK Grid Refs to Lat/Lng
UniqueId – an optional field that uniquely identifies the location in the full set of location data. It is possible to specify a different field but this is the default that fMaps attempts to use if no other is specified. It is used to tie areas in an Areas map to a location, to specify a “base” location for comparisons and also when drawing link lines between points.
Title – an optional field that is used as the tool tip for the point if no other is specified.
