Database Views

Database views provide a way to consolidate data from elements and attributes distributed across databases in an MDB. These views are set up by an administrator using the Database Views Editor and stored in the Lexicon (DICT) database in a ‘Database View World’ (DBVWWL/D). Users’ database views may also be saved a local settings file.

The Editor is currently available in the Lexicon and Tags modules, under Display > Database Views Editor.

A Database View uses a table to define a view of the data, which may be derived from a single or multiple elements. There is a row in the Database View table for each element of a particular type that meets the criteria defined by filters. These filters use the same concept as the search grid. If the criteria cannot be expressed using attribute filters, it is also possible to define an expression for evaluation. A row is present in the table only if all the filter criteria are met.

This is a very powerful technique which can be used to derive data structures for a variety of purposes, including the new reporting function. The Excel Import/Export functions also work with Database Views, which are of particular importance in the integration of engineering, schematic and design data.