Define a Column in a Data Table

Note: Before you can define a column, you need to Create a New Custom Table or use an existing data table.

Activity Steps

  1. Do one of following steps to access the Table Type window.
    1. If you have just added a new custom table, the Table Type window displays.
    2. If you want to use an existing table, select the Custom Tables module from the Home screen.
  2. Select the table you want to add a column and click the Add Column button.

    The Custom Column Information window displays.

  3. Select the Column Name.
  4. Enter the custom label for the column as the Column Title.
  5. Select the Data Type from:
    • CHARACTER—Select this option if the column has a lookup table.
    • NUMERIC
    • DATE
    • DATETIME
    • IMAGE
    • HYPERLINK
  6. If the Data Type is CHARACTER, enter the Total Width; that is, the number of characters.
  7. Select the Column Style from:
    • Edit (default)
    • Dropdown with FK—Select this option if the column has a lookup table.
  8. If Column Style is Dropdown with FK: 
    1. Select the Lookup Table.
    2. Select the Data Column from the lookup table.
    3. Select the Display Column from the lookup table.
  9. Enter the Default Value if required.
  10. If the Data Type is NUMERIC, enter the Min Value and Max value as required.
  11. In the Validation Information field group:
    1. Select whether the column Is Required. If checked, the field cannot contain NULL values. This validation is only in the user interface, because the column remains nullable in the database.
    2. Select whether to Display Column.

    3. Select whether the column will Inherit Values; that is, contain the same value as the previously created row (this does not apply to DRILL_HOLE columns).

  12. Select whether to Display Column.

  13. Select whether the column will Inherit Values i.e. contain the same value as the previously created row (this does not apply to DRILL_HOLE columns).

  14. If overlaps, duplicates and gaps were allowed when the table was created, see Create a New Custom Table, select whether to enable:

    • Overlap Validation
    • Dup Validation—Validation for duplicates.
    • Gap Validation

  15. If required a Calculation Formula can be entered for the column.

    Note: You can type or drag/drop operations, functions and columns into this calculation box. The validation of the formula occurs before saving, which checks for correct syntax. Only columns of the same Data Type as the current column are allowed, do not use another calculated column in a formula.

  16. Click OK.

Note: Never delete a column from the database if the table it belongs to has been created and data has been captured in that column. Instead, hide the table by unchecking the Display Column checkbox. For example, columns that are in use by a Calculation Formula, such as Depth_From or Depth_To in an interval-related table.