Editing tabular data

Complex data may be stored in a tabular attribute, where the data points (simple numeric, text, media, logical, or date data) are organized into columns and rows; a tabular attribute may include local data as well as links to data stored in other attributes.

Tabular data columns

 Each tabular data column has a name, and you can store simple numeric, text, media, logical, or date data. There are different types of tabular data column:

Local Data columns

Local data is stored locally within the record/attribute. You can edit local data from the record where you are viewing it.

Linked Attribute columns

A Linked Attribute displays data from a record attribute in another table. Show an example

The data in a linked attribute column may be displayed as a link which, when clicked, loads the datasheet for the target (linked  to) record. You cannot edit the contents of a Linked Attribute column from the record within the tabular data.

Linked Columns

A Linked Column displays data from a tabular column in another table. Show an example

You cannot edit the contents of a Linked Column. The data in a Linked Column may be displayed as a link which, when clicked, loads the datasheet for the target (linked to) record.

Linking values

A tabular attribute may be linked to another table via a 'linking attribute' specified as part of the attribute definition in MI:Admin. Linking values can be viewed and modified in MI:Viewer in Edit mode.

In this example, each row of the tabular data has a 'linking value' that is used to link to records in the linked table (Test Data: Tension) by matching to data values for the Linking Attribute (Specimen ID).

To edit tabular data values

1. Ensure that the system is in Edit Mode.
2. Open the datasheet of interest and click Edit this data on the left of the attribute name.
3. On the Data tab:
   1. To edit the data in a cell (local data), click
   2. To edit a Linking Value, type the text value in the field.
   3. To change the order of rows in the table, use the move up and down arrows.
   4. To add a new row, click Add a blank row. This row is appended as the last row in the table.
   5. To delete a row, click the red cross.
   6. Not Applicable: Select this check box if this attribute is not relevant for this record. Note that selecting Not Applicable will result in all existing data defined for this attribute being deleted when you click Save.
4. (Optional) You may be able to add metadata, such as statistical information or notes about the source of the data.
5. (Optional) You can add information about any changes that you make on the Notes tab.
6. Click Save to save all your changes.