Import data

Data in formats such as text files or spreadsheets can be directly imported into Analyst's Notebook using import specifications. You can run imports using existing specifications or create your own designs by using the step-by-step import wizard. Import designs give you control over how Notebook converts data into entities and links that are placed on the chart surface for analysis.

Before you start importing data, it is important to understand the different paths that you can follow to achieve a successful result. You can begin the import process with your source data or with an import specification. It is also important to note that the appearance and behavior of the user interface changes, depending on your application and server connections. If you are not connected to an i2 Analyze server, you are working unaligned to a schema and this is referred to as 'classic' mode. Data that is imported in classic mode cannot be uploaded as a new record in the Information Store.

When you are connected to an i2 Analyze server, the user interface gains more options. The import process is aligned to your server's schema and the properties and values available depend on the schema the server is using. Schema aligned import data can be uploaded to the Information Store. When you are creating or editing an import specification, you also have the option to create custom item and property types. This is useful if the data that you want to import is not already represented in your server's schema. Custom item and property types cannot be uploaded to the Information Store, however they can be saved on the chart and in import specifications. When charts and import specifications are shared, existing custom types can be selected and used by other analysts.