In most corporate data warehouses, the database structure is very complex. An analyst or leader of a specific field (like human resource, customer relationship, finance and so on) however, needs only a well-specified data set. He/she does not need (sometimes not even allowed) to know the whole system, which is the database operators' task.

To separate these functional levels, DataScope contains the DataMap Module. This is an external utility in which the database operator can create field collections from the corporate data warehouse to meet the needs of different analysts.

When creating a DataMap project, first you have to connect to the ODBC datasource, select the required tables an define their relations. DataMap gives you a friendly user interface for this, and also tries to detect this connection information if the datasource serves it.

After this, you have to create one or more field groups. These groups will appear like tables for the analyst when importing through this DataMap file. In this way, the database operator can create several "logical tables" upon the same segment of the data warehouse for different analyses on the same field.

You are not limited to use the fields available in the database, but you can also create new fields by using existing fields and the functions your datasource provides. This process is supported by a very sophisticated Expression Builder, with syntax highlighting, listing of available functions and fields based on the current state of the expression, type of the fields and required types of the functions.

You can also build data hierarchies using the Hierarchy Wizard. This will help the analyst grouping and aggergating different values for levels and members of this structure. For example, you can examine and compare cumulative parameters for a specific geographical area, customer age range and so on.

When finished with the DataMap project, you can save it as a .dmf file. When you use this file on import, you will only see the created field groups like tables, after selecting a group, you can see the fields together with the calculated fields and hierarchies. The whole database structure, join types and conditions and other SQL specific information is stored safely and covered by this higher logical level.

Naturally, DataScope can import from an existing DataMap file without the DataMap Module, so you need only a few of DataMap modules to create the proper dmf files, which will be used by all your clients or colleagues.

DataMap Module Features

Hiding complex data warehouse and SQL-related tasks from data analysts
Desktop DataScopes can use predefined datamap files instead of browsing for datasources and tables
Sophisticated Expression Builder to create new fields
Data warehose experts can create default hierarchies for quicker analysis