Creating a layer: Data source

Ensure that you are familiar with the PI AF database you will use. Use PI System Explorer to find PI AF servers, databases, and templates, if necessary.

1. In the AF Server drop-down list, select the PI AF server to use.

   The drop-down list displays all of the PI AF servers that are known to PI Integrator for Esri ArcGIS. The servers are defined in the Server Connections list in PI System Explorer. When you select a PI AF server, all of the databases defined on that server are shown in the AF database drop-down list. The service account under which PI Integrator for Esri ArcGIS runs must have read access to the desired PI AF servers and database in order for them to appear.

2. In the AF Database drop-down list, select the PI AF database that you want to use.

   When you select a PI AF database, all of the templates defined in that database are shown in the Template drop-down list.

3. In the Template drop-down list, select the template you wish to use.

4. Optionally, specify information in the following fields:

   1. In the Category drop-down list, select the AF element category that you want to use.

      You use a category to classify PI AF elements in the layer. Refer to PI AF user manual for information about creating PI AF categories. See Introduction to PI Asset Framework for information about PI AF categories.

   2. In the Max Count field, specify the maximum number of objects returned from a search. Because some searches might return thousands or even tens of thousands of results, the max count prevents bogging down the system by preventing large numbers of PI AF elements being returned when performing a search. The number of search results is limited to the number specified in the Max Count field.

   3. In the Search root field, specify the starting node from which to search.

      The Search root field specifies where in the path the search should start. You can drill down as far as you wish into the search path. A node is an element in a hierarchy in a PI AF database which forms the root of a search. All elements below this node which are derived from the selected template will be found.

      You can specify the search root node by clicking the Select button located next to the Search root field. You can traverse the database tree to locate and specify the starting node from which to search.

5. After specifying the layer data you want to use, you can preview the data you have specified by clicking the Preview button.

6. Click Continue.

Continue to Creating a layer: Fields select and configure the individual fields for the layer, or see Preview the layer data to preview the data you have selected.