Search Tables

This section refers to search tables, which are not to be confused with ArcGIS Tables.

Search tables enable users to search for non-spatial data that is stored in an RDBMS (relational database management system) using the Global Search box in a viewer. Search table records appear in the list of search results and behave like features, but they do not return geometry on the map.

You can also use search tables with data links. Data link searches enable you to create a reverse data link from search tables. This enables you to link the non-spatial data from a search table to particular features on the map. For information, see Data Link Search.

Add a Search Table

When you define a search table, you specify what external data should be retrieved from the data source and which data can be queried. The search table is defined by a SQL command. The Add a Search Table wizard generates a SQL command for you, but Manager accepts any valid SQL command.

To add a search table:

1. In Manager, edit the site that you want to configure, and then click Tables in the side panel.

2. Click Add a Search Table.

3. Type a Display Name.

   The display name is used in both Manager and viewers.

4. Select a Data Connection.

   If the data connection has not yet been added, click Add Data Connection to add the connection.

5. Select a table from the Select a Table drop-down menu.

6. From the selected table, choose the columns you wish to use with your search table.

   The columns that you select can be queried and displayed in results lists.

7. Use the Add Condition button to add data link conditions that filter the data being retrieved from the data connection.

   For information, see Data Links.

Additional configuration is available when you edit an existing search table. For example, you can make search table records accessible via global search. For information, see Edit a Search Table.

Import a Search Table

To import a search table, use the Import a Search Table button on Manager's Tables page. The Import a Search Table Wizard allows you to pick search tables from another site and import them to the current site.

Search Table Settings

Search tables have the following settings:

• Display Name: The configured display name. The display name is used in both Manager and viewers.

• Data Connection: Define the connection parameters that allow Essentials to connect to the external data source. For information see Data Connections.

• Command: The command associated with this search table. A command is generated when you create a search table.

• Maximum Records: The maximum number of records returned by the search table. The default value is 1000.

• Table Search Icon URI: The location of an icon file used to identify search table records in a results list. Use the Browse button to locate an icon in your site's virtual directory.

• Feature Label: A feature label used for each search table record in the feature details. If this field is left empty, the default value from the data source is used.

• Feature Description: A feature description used for each search table record in the feature details. If this field is left empty, the default value from the data source is used.

• Feature Long Description: A feature long description used for each search table record in the feature details. If this field is left empty, the default value from the data source is used.

• Include in Global Search: Select this checkbox to enable users to access search table records via the global search box. By default, search tables are not accessible via global search.

Edit a Search Table

The list of existing search tables can be found on the Tables page in Manager.

To edit a search table:

1. In Manager, edit the site that you want to configure, and then click Tables in the side panel.

2. Click the Edit icon next to the search table.

3. Configure the settings.

4. Click Apply Changes.

Add Parameters to a Search Table

Parameters add @PARAMETER to a search table's SQL command. For example, if a user searches for "Smith," a search table of owner names with a set parameter named NAME uses the value "Smith" when it runs the SQL command. When the process completes, the user sees all of the entries from the search table that include the name "Smith."

To add a parameter to a search table:

1. In Manager, edit the site that you want to configure, and then click Tables in the side panel.

2. Click Add Parameter.

3. The following configuration options are available:

   • Name: Choose a parameter name.

   • Default Value: If a record has no value, you can supply a default value.

4. Click Apply Changes.