Defining Categories Attributes

Each Object Model or Non-spatial Table Model category may have several descriptive attributes in the database, which must be created together with the data model.


See also:
What is an Information Layer in SPRING and how to create one?
SPRING Conceptual Model

Data Model - How to define it


Creating an Attribute

For the SPRING category models (Object or Non-Spatial), it is possible to define descriptive attributes in the database, that can be created in the "Category Attributes" window.

The attributes can be either Integer, Real, Date, or Text type. For text type variables the maximum number of characters has to be defined using the Size option.

Creating an Attribute:

  • select a Category in the "Object and Non Spatial Table" window;
  • click on Attributes .
  • type in the attribute's Name (8 characters, at most);
  • select the variable Type: Integer, Real, Date, (date /hour) and Text. For Text type variables type the size (in characters);
  • click on Insert to add the attributes;
  • click on Delete to remove a selected attribute.
  • click on Apply to permanently insert the attributes in the database.
  • click on Metadata... to associate a description to the attributes.


WARNING: The geoid attribute can not be removed or changed, because this attribute is responsible for the geographical element association.


See also:
How to create a Project.
How to create a Database.
How to define a Category or a Class Visual Aspects.
How to link tables (Object and Non-Spatial).


Seta_a3.gif - 268 BytesDefining Categories or Classes Attributes


Removing an Attribute

Removing a table's attribute means that a table's column will be removed. If the user wants to use a database manager to remove attributes, instead of removing them via SPRING, the user has to also remove the .mdx file, if the Dbase manager is being used. If other manager is being used this task in not required.

Removing an Attribute:

  • click on Attributes for the field one wants to remove;
  • click on Delete and confirm the message;
  • clickon Apply to save the table's changes.



See also:
How to delete a Project.
How to delete a Database.


Seta_a3.gif - 268 Bytes Defining Categories or Classes Attributes


How to Edit New Attributes in Filled Tables

To edit the table attributes inside a database in SPRING, the user can use a commercial DB manager, or SPRING.

When the database was created the database manager, such as Dbase, Access(Windows), MySQL, PostGreSQL or Oracle, was selected to store alphanumeric tables. Once the table is created in one of these managers we have:

  • a DBF file (standard in dbase IV) when DBase is used;
  • a single MDB file (in case spring.mdb) with several tables when the Access is used;
  • a table inside a database when the other managers are used;

In each case, change only the table structure for Objects or Non-Spatial.


See also:
How to delete a Project.
How to delete a Database.


Seta_a3.gif - 268 Bytes Defining Categories or Classes Attributes