Data Mapping

Mapping is a technique to link variables at one echelon level up to variables at a higher echelon level in order to analyze data across an entire Module or Organization. This tool is how GideonSoft establishes those links. Ideally the names and labels of all these linked variables are consistent and remain the same over time. However, these mappings become particularly helpful when a variable label changes, yet conceptually remains the same.

For example, a score variable in Instance 2020 might be called “Average Rating of Determination”, but in Instance 2021, the organization decided it should be called “Average Rating of Persistence”. This tool could map the “Determination” variable in 2020 and the “Persistence” variable in 2021 to a single mapped variable at the Module level, and then a clear analysis could be made of this variable across Instances.

There are multiple ways mappings can be created in GideonSoft.

• GideonSoft will attempt to automatically map an Instance level variable to a Module level variable in order to handle the Module comparison, when a factor is added in the Model Builder. Since GideonSoft assumes Instances are created using a Module template, variables contained in them should match and should automatically be mapped. If they don’t match, manual mapping would need to take place.
• To manually map a variable while viewing/editing the variable In Variable Manager, under Advanced Settings, look for the “Variable Mapping” settings. [see Variable Manager (Creating Variables)]. If it is not mapped, click the plus sign, and provide a name for it. If you leave “Module level score only” checked, this mapping will extend up to the module level, but not the organization level.
  • Once the mapping is created, it will be available for mapping in other instances.
• To manually create a mapping from the Mappings page, at the Module or Instance level Data page, select Mappings…
  • Any existing Mappings will be displayed.
    • Module mappings will be in green.
    • Organization mappings will be in grey.
    • You can filter the list or search for an existing mapping by typing in the Filter Mappings text box at the top.
  • Click the “+ New Mapping” button to create a new mapping.
  • Provide a name.
  • (optional) Enter a description and/or notes.
  • Click Add.
  • Once saved, now you can search in the left pane for variables in any instance within the current Module.
    • Note: Only variables that have not been mapped will be displayed.
    • Once you select a variable, details will be displayed in the right pane.
    • Click ‘Save Changes’ to map this variable. You will be prompted to confirm by clicking the ‘Submit’ button.
    • You can then return to editing the same mapping by clicking ‘OK’, or click ‘Cancel’ to return to the main Mappings page.
  • To edit an existing Mapping, click the down arrow on the right and click Edit. From here, you can add or remove variables, or change the description or notes.
  • To remove an existing Mapping, click the down arrow on the right and click ‘Remove’.