Navigation:  Importing > Importing from Import Templates

 

An Import Template looks similar to the example below, which is for geology data.

 

•The field names for the input table are written across the top,

•Double Green shading indicates fields which when combined must always be unique (a primary key).  It isn't possible to import two records with the same combination of values in these fields.  If you click "Update" or "Overwrite" ESdat will search for an existing occurance of that primary key, and update or overwrite all other values.

•Single Green shading indicates a required field.  Sometimes this may be populated by a default.

 

After entering the data it must be imported to the database.  Click on the button visible on the Excel toolbar and the dialogue box presented below is shown.

 

 

A list of three import actions are available:

 

•“Add New", which will only import data for a new combination of primary key values (eg a  location cannot be entered twice in the Location Table);

•“Update", which will update existing data with non blank values being imported;

•“Overwrite", which will update existing data with the blank and non-blank values being imported.

 

A list of two Parent Table checks are included:

 

•“Require Parent Records” means that data for a table (such as water levels) cannot be imported unless higher level data (such as a location and well) for that point are available.  This option is useful if you are confident you have a complete list of Location Codes / Well Codes in the database, and want to check for inconsistent naming.

•“Add Missing Parent Records” will create higher level data if it is missing.

 

Checks are carried out during import to ensure that the data is compliant with the checks placed on the database, and that required fields are filled in. Some fields such as the DateAdded Field, and any AutoNumber fields are automatically updated.

 

Any errors are summarised in the dialogue box.  A more detailed description of errors is given as a Excel comment in the relevant cell (Ensure comments are turned on in Excel->Tools->Options->View->Comment Indicator Only).  Data imported sucessfully is shaded light green.  Problems are shown in purple.

 

For more information on importing specific Data-Types see the "Data Types" section.