Mapping is the process of translating the database into the Daisy or other chart, by grouping fields with the same characteristics at nodes.

Consider the example, where a field, Fault, is mapped with a mapping type of Text and a similar mapping format. For each different value of the field, a new node will be created in the chart in the arc corresponding to the mapping field, Fault.

Each mapping field is setup separately. You must enter two mapping fields, unless you enter a single one, which has a mapping format of Keyword, Key Character or Extract Numbers.

To add or modify a mapping field, first choose the field to be mapped from the list box in the Mapping Field dialog.

Then you choose one of the four mapping types :-

• Text - The field is treated as a text string.

• Numeric - The field is treated as a numeric. If it is not numeric, the field cannot be mapped and a warning results.

• Date - The field is treated as a date. Daisy makes full use of the flexibility in Windows and can decode most forms of date.

• Time - The field is treated as a time.

There is also an additional group of mappings called Tests, which perform simple True/False tests on all types of data.

After choosing the mapping type, the mapping format is chosen. These determine how the data is actually mapped and they are extremely powerful.

Typical mapping formats are last word, month and minute.

Finally, set the mapping title and any of the mapping options required.

The choice of mapping format although it appears daunting at first, is actually a fairly simple process provided a few rules are followed.

Also, view one of the examples, such as 'Telephone Calls', which gives a good demonstration of mapping.

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