Import External Data

You can import data from any computer program that exports to accepted data formats.

Information on these data formats is available in Valid Source Types.

Note:  Importing data from other systems may be a time consuming process, depending on how much data you are trying to import. To speed this up, make sure that no other programs are running in the background. Do not attempt to import data across a modem. The import will not delete DBF source files (only the records in the file). Other file types are deleted when Delete source records after import is specified.

1. From the Administration menu, select the Database Administration option, Import From External Data Source... option.

2. Press New to add a new import definition.

   You are prompted to select Standard or Lookup Table.

3. Do one of the following.

   Import standard external data

   • Select Standard.
   Import a lookup table

   Note: All data in the source table will be imported into the category you select below, so make sure the source table includes only codes to be added to one category.

   1. Select Lookup Table.

      You must select a lookup table category.

      Example: If you are importing street names, select General System Codes under import.

   2. Select the category you want to import into.

      Example: For street names, select Streets from category.

   3. Select the source file type, and then select the source file.

4. Press OK.

   The External Data Import Definition form is displayed.

5. Name the import definition and select the source type.

   Information on source types is available in Valid Source Types.

6. Press Source File lookup.

   The Open dialog window is displayed.

7. Highlight the appropriate source file, then press Select.

   Tip: Use wildcard characters to specify multiple files that share the same structure for import.

   Example: If you have a CAD system that imports incident information into a specific directory, and names each file as incident_number.txt, you can select all these files at one time by entering *.txt in the Source File...field.

   CAD systems that export DBF format will generally export records into a single DBF file.

8. Specify where the source files go in FH.

   1. Press Add.

      The External Data Import Field Properties form is displayed.

   2. Select a target table and target field.

      Available source fields are listed by pressing the Target Table lookup button.

      Note: If the source is ASCII space delimited, you must specify the start and end position of the selected field.

   3. Double click on the source field you want to import into the Target field.

      If the source file is a comma-delimited, tab-delimited or DBF file, a pop-up listing fields in the source file is displayed. This listing shows the data from the first record in the source file.

   4. Press Save.
   5. Press New to add an additional field, or press Close if no additional fields are needed.
   6. Select the Rules tab and specify rules if necessary.
   7. On the External Data Import Definition form, press Close if finished with the definition.
   8. From the External Data Imports form, highlight your import definition and press Run to start the import process.

9. (Optional) Preview the import to verify the accuracy, view the Import Log to see details about the import process, or Commit to add the data to the target table.

   If you cancel the import, you can run the import again.