Assigning Semantic Types to your data

To benefit from the visualization and advanced analysis capabilities, for example, of Analyst's Notebook when charting iBase data, you can assign relevant data with a semantic type that identifies the real world content of the data.

Do I have to assign semantic types to all data fields?
To construct a Semantic Type Library that accurately models your database schema, you can add a semantic type for relevant entity types, link types, fields, standard fields, and, optionally, icons in your database. Doing so ensures that your users can take full advantage of other i2 applications that use semantic types, such as Analyst's Notebook.
Are different semantic types available?
There are three semantic types that are supported: entity semantic types (for entities and icons), link semantic types, and property semantic types (for fields and standard fields). For more information, see Setting up Semantic Types.
What if I cannot find a suitable semantic type?
If you cannot locate a suitable semantic type in the Semantic Type Library, you can derive your own custom semantic type from the appropriate generalized semantic type. iBase, Analyst's Notebook and other i2 applications will treat a custom semantic type as a specialization of its recognized parent semantic type.
It is important to select the correct parent because the custom semantic type will inherit its behavior, and this will determine how the custom semantic type is used during, for example, matching operations on Analyst's Notebook charts. For details, see Defining custom semantic types.
Note: You must log on as a database administrator in order to assign semantic types.

Unassigning semantic types

To remove a semantic type from an entity type, link type, field, standard field, or icon:

  1. In the Database area of the Semantic Types dialog, select the item that you want to unassign. The semantic type is highlighted in the tree view.
  2. Click Remove.
  3. When you have finished, click OK to save your changes.