Graphical Data Mapping editor

Use the Graphical Data Mapping editor to create and edit graphical data maps.

You can use the Graphical Data Mapping editor to take input (source) objects and transform them before you save the resulting output (target) objects.

Here is an example of the Graphical Data Mapping editor:

The Graphical Mapping editor has an input object column and an output object column

The input objects are shown on the left side of the canvas, and the output objects are shown on the right side. You can create connections between the input and output elements by clicking one element, and dragging the mouse to the element that you want to connect to. You can create connections either from left to right or from right to left. You can also right-click on either element and use the Quick link menu action to open a window where you can search for and select the other element.

You can use the Graphical Data Mapping editor to construct a graphical data map by using a wide variety of mapping transform functions. The transforms operate either from an input element to an output element on the canvas, or by directly setting the value of an output element.

You can use the functions either by using drag-and-drop, or from a menu action on the input or output element. The Graphical Data Mapping editor inserts the most appropriate mapping function on the newly created transform connection. For transforms that require multiple input connections, you can drag more connections onto the transform, and you can then select either a primary or supplementary connection mode. The Graphical Data Mapping editor adjusts the type of transform based on the new connections. When you create a connection, you can optionally change the type of transform function or start setting properties.

Some types of transforms involve complex input and outputs. They are edited by entering a nested view. The editor provides arrow buttons and breadcrumb navigation for nested transforms.

For information about the transforms that you can use in a graphical data map, see Transform types in the Graphical Data Mapping editor.

The Graphical Data Mapping editor properties

The Properties pane displays the properties of the message map, its input and output elements, and transformations. For information about configuring the properties, see Configuring the general properties of a message map.

When you are working with the maximized view of the Graphical Data Mapping editor, you can bring the Properties pane back into focus in either of the following ways:
  • Right-click the object and then select Show in > Properties view.
  • Use the appropriate keyboard combination, which, by default, is Alt+Shift+Q, R. You can configure these keyboard shortcuts by selecting Window > Preferences > General > Keys.

Actions supported in the Graphical Data Mapping editor

Table 1. List of actions supported in the Graphical Data Mapping editor
Icon Label Action
Add an input object Add an input object Adds an input object to the map by selecting a map input.
Add output Add an output object Adds an output object to the map by selecting a map output.
Add environment tree Add environment mapping Adds the Environment tree to the map.
Remove environment tree Remove environment mapping Removes the Environment tree from the map.
Sort source Sort mapping by source Sorts the mapping objects so that the appearance of transforms is prioritized by the source.
Sort target Sort mapping by target Sorts the mapping object so that the appearance of transforms is prioritized by the target.
Close Delete selected elements Deletes the element or elements that are currently highlighted.
Add transform Create a new transform Creates a transform for the map.
Auto map Auto map input to output Automatically maps elements by using the Automap Wizard.
Put key-value pair to cache Put key-value pair to cache Add a key-value pair to the global cache.
Get a key-value pair from cache Get a key-value pair from cache Get a key-value pair from the global cache.
Remove a key-value pair from cache Remove a key-value pair from cache Remove a key-value pair from the global cache.
Select rows from a database icon Select rows from a database Selects rows of data from a database table.
Call a stored procedure in a database icon Call a database routine Calls a database routine to obtain the data to include in the map.
Insert a row into a database table icon Insert a row into a database table Inserts one row into a database table.
Update a row in a database table icon Update rows in a database table Update one or more rows in a database table.
Delete a row from a database table icon Delete rows from a database table Delete one or more rows in a database table.
Show object preferences Show object preferences Opens the Preferences window for the currently selected object.

Casting data structures

In the Graphical Data Mapping editor, you can use the Cast function to cast data structures.

Wildcards can be used to create a flexible message model that can be redefined when a more detailed definition is required. You define a wildcard as xsd:any in your schema.

When your message model schemas contain one or more wildcards, you can use the Cast function to redefine parts of the input or output model in a message map.

For more information, see Casting elements in a message map.

Adding user-defined elements

In the Graphical Data Mapping editor, you can use the Add User-Defined function to add dynamically user-defined elements that define an xsd:any element in your message model.

For more information, see Adding and renaming a user-defined element.