Dataset Grouping

Dataset grouping is used to manage multiple datasets within the same datasource, facilitating data display and search. For example, datasets related to roads and rivers in a datasource can be stored in separate "Road" and "River" groups. When searching for a specific road dataset, you only need to look under the "Road" group. Additionally, when a group is opened in the map window, all datasets within the group are opened by default.

Notes on Using Dataset Grouping:

  • Dataset groups do not support coordinate system settings but can store datasets with different coordinate systems.
  • A dataset group can contain different types of datasets, but within the same datasource, a single dataset can belong to only one group.
  • Nested groups are supported, meaning a group can contain subgroups.
  • Supported datasource types include: UDBX, PostGIS, Yukon, PostgreSQL, OraclePlus, DMPlus, MySQL, POLARDBGanos, KingBase, HighGoDB, SHENTONG, Vastbase, and memory datasources.

Starting from SuperMap iDesktopX 11i (2024), the dataset grouping feature is provided.

Create Dataset Group

  1. Right-click on an existing datasource and select New Group.
  2. A new dataset group named "DatasetGroup" will be added to the datasource. You can rename the dataset group as needed. Within the same datasource, dataset group names must be unique. Group names can consist of Chinese characters, letters, numbers, and underscores but cannot start with a number or an underscore.

Copy Dataset Group

When copying a dataset group, all datasets and subgroups within the group are copied together, supporting both same-datasource and cross-datasource copying.

  1. Select one or more dataset groups. Right-click and choose Copy (or use the Ctrl+C shortcut).
  2. Select the target datasource, then use the Ctrl+V shortcut to Paste the selected dataset groups into the target datasource.

    To copy into another group, right-click on the target group, choose "Paste" (or use Ctrl+V) to paste the selected dataset groups into the specified target group.

Caution:

If the target datasource or dataset group contains groups or datasets with the same name, a suffix "_n" will be added to the name. For example, the second group with the same name will be "_1," the third "_2," and so on.

Move to Group

You can move one or more datasets/groups to a target group. When moving groups, the datasets within the group are moved together. Only drag-and-drop is supported for moving groups.

  1. Select one or more datasets within a datasource.
  2. In the right-click menu, select Move to Group and choose the target group to complete the operation.
Caution:
  • The Move to Group feature is available only when there are dataset groups in the current datasource and supports moving datasets only within the same datasource.
  • Dragging datasets or groups within the current datasource to a target group performs a move operation.
  • Dragging datasets or groups across datasources to a target group performs a copy operation.

Export Dataset Group

Dataset groups can be exported as FileGDB format files. A dataset group corresponds to a feature dataset in FileGDB. Due to feature dataset restrictions (e.g., data type and projection), the datasets in the group must meet the following conditions to be exported successfully:

  • Dataset types include 2D/3D points, lines, and polygons. Attribute table datasets can be exported to FileGDB but not to the corresponding feature dataset. Other data types are not supported.
  • All datasets must share the same coordinate system. If they differ, only datasets with the same coordinate system as the first dataset will be exported.
  • The group cannot contain subgroups. If subgroups exist, their datasets must be manually added to the export list. After export, the hierarchical relationship between parent and subgroups will be lost.

The operation steps are described as follows:

  1. Select the Dataset Group to be exported, and right-click to select Export.
  2. On the Data Export dialog, set parameter information for Export Data. Refer to Export FileGDB for details.

Import Dataset Group

FileGDB feature datasets can be imported as dataset groups.

  1. Right-click on an open datasource and select Import Dataset.
  2. In the Data Import dialog, choose File GeoDatabase Vector from the dropdown menu, and select the required FileGDB folder in the file browser dialog.
  3. Set the relevant parameters in the data import dialog. Refer to Import FileGDB Data for details.

View Dataset Group Properties

  1. Right-click on a dataset group in the Workspace Manager and select Properties.
  2. The properties panel on the right displays the following information:
    • Name: Displays the dataset group name.
    • Number of Datasets: Shows the total number of datasets within the group.
    • Dataset Group Description: Displays and allows modification of the group description to help others understand its contents.

Cancel Dataset Group

When canceling a dataset group, the subgroups or datasets within the group will be moved to the parent group.

  1. Select the dataset group to be canceled.
  2. Right-click and choose Cancel Group to complete the operation.

Related Topics

Create Dataset

Create Datasource

Copy Dataset