Mapworks User Guide

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Dataset References ​

Overview ​

Datasets sit in the middle of the Mapworks resource hierarchy:

Connection → Dataset → Layer → Map

Each dataset has a parent Connection that provides its data source, and can have multiple Layers created from it. Understanding these relationships helps you:

  • Navigate between related resources
  • Understand what will be affected when modifying a dataset
  • Track which layers depend on a dataset

Viewing the Parent Connection ​

Every dataset (except Editable Markup Datasets) is associated with a parent Connection that defines the data source.

To view the parent connection from a dataset: ​

  1. Go to Mapworks UI
  2. Click the Datasets Tab and search for the desired dataset
  3. Click on the parent connection

Parent Connection

Viewing Child Layers ​

A dataset can have multiple layers created from it. Each layer can have different styling and configuration while sharing the same underlying data.

To view layers created from a dataset: ​

  1. Go to Mapworks UI
  2. Click the Datasets Tab and search for the desired dataset
  3. If layers have been created from this dataset, a button will display the number of layers.

Dataset Child Layers

  1. Click the Layers button to view a list of all layers created from this dataset.

Understanding Dataset Dependencies ​

Datasets connect your data source to your map visualisations. Changes to a dataset affect all downstream layers and maps:

If you modify...It affects...
Publication settingsHow up-to-date the data is in all child layers
Max Scale LimitMaximum visible zoom scale for all child layers
Searchable/Queryable togglesWhich fields appear in Full Text Search, Query Builder, and Thematics across all child layers
Field adding/remappingField availability across all child layers (styling, labels, queries)
Field DictionariesDisplay values in tooltips, labels, and search results across all child layers

⚠️ Warning

When deleting a dataset that has child layers, you will be prompted with the option to also delete all child layers. If you choose to delete them, all child layers will be permanently removed. If you choose to delete only the dataset, the child layers will be left broken and unusable, and cannot be recovered. Always check dataset references before deleting.

From Dataset to Connection ​

  1. Navigate to the desired dataset
  2. Click on the parent connection

Parent Connection

From Dataset to Layers ​

  1. Navigate to the desired dataset
  2. Click the Layers button to view a list of all layers created from this dataset.

Dataset Child Layers

From Dataset to Maps ​

  1. Navigate to a child layer
  2. Click the Maps button to view a list of all maps that include this layer.

From Layer to Dataset ​

  1. Navigate to the desired layer
  2. Click on the parent dataset

Parent Dataset