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Apply Expression
MAP Attributes panel > Apply Expression
Apply to - Select the attribute column
on which to apply the expression.
Attribute and MAPublisher
Property columns can be assigned
expressions
Expression - Enter the expression
directly into the entry field, or click
the Browse button to access the Edit
Expression function (see page 68).
Expression Validity - Indicates if the
expression is valid or invalid .. If
invalid, additional info is reported.
Functionality
The Apply Expression tool allows for the assignment and application of expressions to currently selected art for the
purpose of assigning attributes, assigning properties, or transforming artwork. For example, the tool can be used to
assign attribute values based on values in other columns, assign graphic styles to selected elements, or transform
data on the page via the assignment of a rotation value.
Note that property attributes are dynamic. Changes made to them in the map attribute table are reflected
immediately in the graphical properties and on-screen display of the data to which they are linked. Expressions can
be generated and applied to data based on the values found in an existing attribute column, providing a one-step
process to transform a vast number of different objects in a single operation.
APPLYING EXPRESSIONS
Ensure the data required for the application of the expression is selected, and that layer is selected in the MAP
Attributes panel. Then access the tool by clicking the Apply Expression button or menu item in the same panel.
First specify a column from the Apply to list to specify which attribute column the expression will be applied to. The
columns listed here are representative of the attribute structure unique to the data layer currently displayed in the
attribute table as well as the standard MAPublisher property attributes.
To assign an expression to a column, enter a valid expression in the Expression text box. The Expression Validity icon
will report if the expression entered is valid. Otherwise it will report and include additional warning notes.
Alternatively, click the Browse button to enter and edit expressions via the Edit Expression tool (page 46).
The following are some examples of basic expressions which can be assigned to selected data with Apply Expression.
“Ontario” (applied to column = NAME)
Result: All selected items are assigned the value “Ontario” in the NAME column.
“MAP Area 01” (applied to column = #Style)
Result: All selected area items are assigned the value “MAP Area 01” in the #Style column. Same items are assigned the Graphic Style
“MAP Area 01” on the page.
45 (applied to = #Rotation)
Result: All selected point items are assigned the value 45 in the #Rotation column. Items are rotated to 45° on the page.
Click OK to apply the expression to the selected data, updating the values in the selected attribute column and
transforming data as appropriate.
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Chapter 5: MAP Attributes
Apply Expression