On 27/02/2012, at 9:20 AM, Chris Burton wrote: > Hi Guys > > Many thanks for the replies on this; I had no idea that this presents such a > range of issues. I can give you some background: > > The .xml file is the result of an export from a database run only on Windows > machines. It was ( and still is being developed) by IT people at the > Antarctic Division, and is a requirement by the Federal Gov to be completed > while undertaking marine mammal observations during offshore seismic > operations. > > We have to complete this database daily with a huge amount of info from > environmental, operational and sighting effort and cetacean observations. It > is a pain in the neck to be frank as I am used to the elegant simplicity of > Filemaker Pro!! > > It is also one of the reasons I bought Parallels 6 this time last year so I > could run it on my MBPro. Unfortunately after spending many days I was unable > transfer my Bootcamp partition over to Parallels (to use my GIS as well as > this Database), so have to use a windows machine while working on the ship. A > real bummer. > > However I would like to try again to install Parallels during the coming > weeks to get the bootcamp over so I can then install this Database. I have > heard that Parallels 7 is now out; is there much difference from Version 6? > > Thanks to all for your offers and advice on other programs to use. I will try > them and do have filemaker as well. I guess it is my lack of knowledge on > what .xml is and not having to use it before that has stumped me. > > I have tried importing the file using both Textedit and Excel 11, but the > format that is presented once loaded just doesnt look right (based on what > the data looks like in this database)? > > Just tried with FMPro 11 and it shows a box asking me to 'specify an xml data > source'. Now this is where Im stumped!! >
Try just dragging the xml file onto the icon of Filemaker Pro (either the application itself or an alias). If the xml file has been constructed in a compatible way, Filemaker should be able to create a new database file from the data. Failing that, try opening the xml file in a text editor and see if you can deduce the field names. Typically, these are contained in the first part of the data (i.e., near the top) and resemble the following: NAME="Email" TYPE="TEXT"/><FIELD EMPTYOK="YES" MAXREPEAT="1" NAME="NameFirst" TYPE="TEXT"/><FIELD EMPTYOK="YES" MAXREPEAT="1" NAME="NameLast" TYPE="TEXT"/><FIELD EMPTYOK="YES" MAXREPEAT="1" NAME="PhoneCell" TYPE="TEXT"/><FIELD EMPTYOK="YES" MAXREPEAT="1" NAME="PhoneHome" TYPE="TEXT"/><FIELD EMPTYOK="YES" MAXREPEAT="1" NAME="PhoneWork" TYPE="TEXT"/> It's self-explanatory what's going on here, and the crucial information is contained in the the tags "NAME" and "TYPE". I should think that your xml files should resemble this structure fairly closely. Using the field names specified in the "NAME" tokens as shown in the example, create a new Filemaker file using the filed names and field types matching as closely as you can those specified in the xml data. Once this is done, you shroud be able to import xml data into the Filemaker file using the xml file as your "xml data source". You will be presented with a field mapping screen, which you are probably already familiar with if you are used to using Filemaker. The nice thing about this approach is that you will now have a standard "template" for all future imports of these files. Simply import each one as you receive them into this new file you have just created. The problem with xml files lies in the "XSLT Stylesheet", which contains the underlying description of how the data is constructed. You may have to end u parking your source for their stylesheet if the above process proves fruitless. Peter Hinchliffe Apwin Computer Services FileMaker Pro Solutions Developer Perth, Western Australia Phone (618) 9332 6482 Mob 0403 046 948 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Mac because I prefer it -- Windows because I have to. -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> Settings & Unsubscribe - <http://lists.wamug.org.au/listinfo/wamug.org.au-wamug>
