Changing a DataGroup catalog

Let's assume that a DataGroup catalog needs to be changed. In this example, we will change a door object to a window object in the catalog. While it may not be common place to change door objects to window objects in the real world, this simple example is used only to demonstrate the utility.

Select (DataGroup Transformation) utility to open the dialog.
Click Add to add a new catalog mapping row to the Source Catalog Mapping list box.

The second column, Source Catalog Instance, displays the value <Any>. When this value is set, all instances of all doors are included in the transformation. If there is a specific type of door that should be the only catalog item included in the transformation, then that door instance can be selected to replace <Any>. Add more catalog mapping rows if you want to include additional door types in the transformation.
Select the Source Catalog column and choose the door source catalog. At this time you can change the Source Catalog Instance <Any> value to a specific type of door.
In the Destination Catalog column, select a destination catalog to transform the data to. In this case the Window catalog is selected. At this time you can also select a specific window catalog instance, in the Destination Catalog Instance column.
When the <Use Source Catalog Instance Name> option is selected in the Destination Catalog Instance column, the new catalog name for all instances are updated but the original catalog instance name is retained.
The Source Property Mapping list box displays the properties of the Source and Destination catalogs. Here you can control how property values are copied to the destination instance(s).
- The Source Property column displays the source property names.
- The Destination Property column is populated with the destination properties that the source properties are mapped to.
- The Action column enables some extensibility as to how the properties are mapped. The Keep Original Value option maps the Source Property to the Destination Property, as it is found on the source property. The Clear On Copy option clears the Destination Property upon copy. The Use Destination Catalog Value option assigns the Destination Catalog default value for that property to the Destination Property.
If you want to save the current open mapping file for future use, click Save.
Open a model file containing the catalog item instances that are being transformed. In this case, a model containing the doors that are being transformed is opened.
- In the DataGroup Transformation Utility dialog, click Process. All the items in the Source Catalog Mapping list box are processed.
- Using the (Element Information) tool, select an element that was processed. In this case, the information on the transformed door now shows that it is a window.