---
title: "7. Import Data"
canonical: "https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/DS/1246265358/7.%20Import%20Data"
format: markdown
---
DataShed5 is a browser-based application that allows users to view and visualise data stored within the Maxwell Data Schema. The DataShed5 interface has been designed to be as intuitive as possible, and most users should need very little instruction in order to use the basic functions.

In this presentation we will discuss importing data in DataShed5.

# Import Data Video:

 Transcript

```none
Import Data
The Import Data option allows Sys Admin users to load downhole and assay data manually into DataShed5.
To import downhole data, select an import layout option. Two default options, Any Excel Spreadsheet or Any CSV File are supplied and custom Import Layouts can be created and saved.
Choosing the Any Excel Spreadsheet option the destination database table is selected and then the Excel data file. Next select the worksheet name required.
The field matching panel will populate showing the columns from the spreadsheet on the left and the fields from the destination database table on the right.
Field name mismatches will highlight in amber and the correct destination field name can be selected. If the spreadsheet fields are not required, they can be deleted.
Choosing the destination DataSet will take precedence over any DataSet in the source Excel file. The date format can be selected if differing from the system format. Appending the DataSource Column to Buffer will add the source data file name in the DataSource field.
Saving the layout will allow the definition to be used again with files of the same structure.
The data is loaded into the buffer and can be edited or deleted as required.
When the file is Imported any issues will highlight with a warning symbol.

To load assay files an Import Layout must be created to determine the location of the data in the assay file and map it to the database fields. The Import Layout is created in the Import Layout Configuration section.
Creating a new layout starts with a logical layout name, description and the laboratory.
Next an import file type is chosen. If a suitable file type is not available, then one can be created.
Next the Destination Table Name is entered in the Buffer Modifications section. Any required modifications can be added here such as creating new fields in the buffer and renaming fields.
The Check Config button will check the layout to ensure no errors.
The Assay File Format Editor is used to map the location of the data in the assay file to the database table fields. Loading an example of an assay file allows the location of data items to be selected. Choose the required Data Item then select the location of the item in the viewing window. If the item is a date then a date format should be also selected. Each item is saved as the next item is selected.
Substitution parameters can be added to replace symbols with values and assay status states. 
The final step is to validate the layout.
Once an import layout is defined it can be used to load an assay file.

To load an assay file, choose the Assay File Import Layout option and then choose the desired import layout.
Next select the assay file name and then choose Load.
Details of the load will appear in top panel in green with any errors showing in red in the lower panel.
Once loaded you can switch to Assay Manager to view the load details.
```