ODBC Data Sources

Key principles

  • ODBC (Open DataBase Connectivity) is a Windows standard for importing and exporting SQL data tables.

  • Only ODBC-compliant programs can be connected using this protocol, and each of the programs must have an ODBC driver.

  • The program and driver supplying the data is referred to as the server, and the receiving program /driver, the client.

  • ODBC facilitates linking to databases and spreadsheets like Oracle, Access or Excel, and enables the importing of data from these databases.

  • Before importing from an SQL database, the appropriate ODBC server driver for the type of database must be installed, and set up as an ODBC Data Source for the data.

  • The documentation and help files supplied with the database or spreadsheet will provide more information on the availability of specific ODBC server drivers.

Installing ODBC Server Drivers

Microsoft's procedure for adding an ODBC data source can be found here.

Adding an ODBC Data Provider

  1. Activate the Data ribbon.

  2. Select Data >> Load >> Database.

    The Data Providers dialog displays.

  3. Select Earthworks ODBC Data Provider from the list of ODBC drivers.

  4. Click OK.

    The Select Data Source screen displays.

  5. click New.

    The Create New Data Source screen displays.

  6. Select the required driver from the list of those available.

  7. Click Next.

  8. Click Browse to locate a Data Source.

  9. In the Create New Data Source screen, click Next.

  10. Click Finish.