Learn about importing Dimensions data (.mdd and .ddf format) into Harmoni.
In Harmoni, you can use data from various file types as the source for new projects, visualizations, and dashboards.
After naming your project, you can upload or connect to data sources. In the case of dimensions, you can upload your data sources. When uploading, you must select both the .mdd and the .ddf files
In this article
Dimensions Data
1. Conversion Process
Dimensions data files are automatically converted when the files are imported into Harmoni.
Harmoni displays the description labels from the Dimensions file. The Dimensions variable types convert to the following Harmoni variable types:
|
Dimensions Variable Type |
Harmoni Variable Type |
|
Text |
Verbatim |
|
Numeric_Long |
Measure |
|
Numeric_Double |
Measure |
|
Weight |
Weight |
|
Single_Response |
Axis |
|
Multiple_Response |
Axis |
|
Grid |
Grid with only items with common answer lists: Grid Grid with items with common answer lists and also other items: Header, followed by a Grid, plus all other items as per the above conversions Empty Grid: Header |
|
Group |
Not Converted |
2. File Names
Within an .mdd file, there is a db location setting that identifies the filename of its associated .ddf file. Harmoni reads this to identify the appropriate .ddf file to use.
If you create copies of the files, the actual filename of the .ddf may no longer match the .mdd file. In this case, Harmoni does not 'see' the .ddf file and cannot apply data (i.e., no data is shown in the analysis).
To resolve this issue, open the .mdd in an editor and change the name of the .ddf file mentioned in the db location= setting in the .mdd file and also make sure connection name="mrDataFileDsc" and cdscname="mrDataFileDsc".
In the example below, the files were renamed to "VisitorsSurvey", however the .mdd file is still pointing to the original file name. For data to load into Harmoni, this information needs to be updated too.
3. Default Source Connection
Within an .mdd file, a default source connection links the .mdd file to the data in the .ddf file.
In some cases, due to the generation of dimensions files from other data sources (i.e., SPSS Sav file, SQL Database), this connection may be different, causing the link between the .mdd and .ddf files to break. Therefore Harmoni cannot apply data (no data is shown in the analysis).
For data to load into Harmoni, the information in the datasources default and connection name must be aligned.
To resolve this issue, open the .mdd file in an editor and change the name mentioned after “datasources default=” to the correct .ddf connection name.
In the example below, the files were generated from an SPSS source and they are taking the sav file type as their default connection.
In this screenshot:
- datasources default= "mrSavDsc"
- connection name="mrDataFileDsc"
For data to load into Harmoni, this information needs to be updated. Changing datasources default to mrDataFileDsc. will allow for the data to flow into Harmoni.
- datasources default= "mrDataFileDsc"
- connection name="mrDataFileDsc"
Correct connection name is as below:
4. Column Limit
When converting dimensions files in Harmoni, the dimension data model's limit is set at 32,767 columns (i.e., variables). Harmoni will likely throw an error message if your file exceeds this limit.
To proceed, you will need to:
- Split the file vertically into two or more columns (i.e., splitting the number of columns).
- Append the files in Harmoni to add all variables to your project. Learn more.
Where to from here?
- Learn more about data sources.
- Learn how to upload or connect to data sources.