Layer and assignment

Each analysis requires a spatial connection of the data to a spatial component on the map. Be it a postal code, an exact address, an area number or geographical coordinates. With this information, EasyMap can display and place your data set on the map.

Assignment types

EasyMap offers you three different possibilities to display your data spatially:

  • Via address
  • Via longitude and latitude
  • Via territory number

Via address

When assigning via addresses, the components of an address are taken from various columns (street, house number, postal code, city and country). A coordinate is determined from this. This coordinate can then be used to place symbols, locations, etc.. You can find more about this in the settings of the calculated column address.

If the placement via addresses is selected, EasyMap creates a calculated column of the type Address in the table used. This column can also be used for result control. EasyMap then uses this column to place the symbols or locations. As long as the columns used for the address components do not change, all analyses and locations share the address column.

Note: If you do not have a special license, the coordinates of the address are not calculated exactly, but are drawn on a 100 m grid (Inspire 100 m ETRS-LAEA grid). This means that addresses located close together can fall to the same gridded coordinate.

Via longitude and latitude

The placement with geographic coordinates allows exact placement of symbols and diagrams on the map. The coordinates must be included in your data. EasyMap does not calculate these coordinates!

If the coordinates are not available as geographic coordinates, the coordinates must be at least compatible with the coordinate system of the map. In this case, you can use the EasyMap function Coordinate Transformation to convert them into geographical coordinates.

In order to read the coordinates, 2 columns, one for Latitude (LAT) and one for Longitude (LON) are needed. In addition, the coordinates should be formatted as decimal degrees with point as separator. Special characters such as the degree character or apostrophe cannot be processed.

Example:

Latitude (LAT) Longitude (LON)
50.7049 7.147

Via territory number

In the case of placement via assignement to areas, both area-related and location-related analyses can be carried out. This is the only option available for most area analyses (e.g. Area shading or Boston Grid analysis). With this option, there must be a column with the area number in the data basis, which can then be assigned to a map layer.

Example: You have a postal code for each customer in your data. Then you can make an assignment to the base map - postcode areas - areas.

In the case of a symbol analysis with the subtype area-based, the symbol or diagram is placed at the position of the area text defined in the base map. This means that the symbol normally lies within the reference area.

Setting the layer and assignment

During each analysis, you are asked which assignment you want to use to execute the analysis. If possible, EasyMap offers you the best assignment between data and layers.

Set the appropriate option for you in the dropdown menu. EasyMap saves the assignments already selected and selects the last assignment selected. If you have not yet made any assignments, EasyMap proposes the best assignments in the various assignment types.

Explanation of assignement

 

The traffic light symbolizes how good the assignment is and the result of the assignment. Green represents for a very good result.
 

The traffic light symbolizes how good the assignment is and the result of the assignment. Yellow stands for a result that shows errors.
 

The traffic light symbolizes how good the assignment is and the result of the assignment. Red stands for a very bad result and should not be used.

The light bulb symbolizes that this is a proposed connection from EasyMap and does not refer to an existing assignment.
This symbol indicates that this assignment was made via an area number.
The assignment is made via longitude and latitude.
This symbol indicates that this assignment was made via an address.
Number: This value indicates which column of the table is used for the assignment.
Indicates the level for which the assignment is set.
Add a new layer and assignment.
Filter only on objects that are on the current sheet. You can activate or deactivate the filter. The filter is active by default.
You receive your assignment result.

 

New connection of data and map

EasyMap does not always suggest exactly what is needed. This is why you may have to set up a new connection yourself. You can do this directly in an analysis process by clicking on + next to the assignment selection. A new dialog window New connection of data and map opens.

First select the placement type by clicking on the corresponding symbol. Depending on the analysis type, not all selection options are available to you because they would not make sense. If your option is not selectable, first select another analysis type. Depending on the placement type, you must now set various options and confirm them with Ok. Your selection will now be saved and selected directly in the analysis window.

When placing through area numbers, you must specify which column EasyMap can use to make a  reference to the area levels. You have already selected a table for the analysis. If your setting is not correct, go back one step and select another table. Furthermore, you can specify under Map for which sheet this assignment is to apply. The currently selected sheet is preselected. With number, please display the column from your data in which the exact designation for the area level is available (e.g. the postcode). Select at level the corresponding surface plane and you can see directly how good your assignment is. Further information on the assignment result can be found here

 

For placement using geographic coordinates, you can specify the columns for Latitude and Longitude. The possible columns are selected from the already selected table. If the correct table is not selected, set this one step in advance. In Map, you also have the option of setting on which map and which sheet you want to set up this new connection.

Select the appropriate columns for the calculation from the table already selected in the previous step. Assign the column with the street information to the field Street. For the fields house number, postcode, location and country you can also select a suitable column from your table. EasyMap already offers you a suggestion for a possible selection. You also have the option to select the map and the sheet on which you want to set up this new connection in Map.

Check whether EasyMap can assign and place your data records based on your settings. Click on the button Check setting. EasyMap now checks the first ten data records of your table and determines the result quality. You can decide on the basis of the quality whether you want to continue to place your data records via the address or select a different type of placement.