A very powerful but simple tool that we like to teach during our Mapinfo training courses is how to use the find and replace function. This is a basic option within the program that you will find in other types of commonly used software such as internet browsers, word processors and spreadsheets. However, like many quick shortcuts, we find that some users are unaware of its existence.
Find and replace does exactly what it says on the tin. It allows you to rapidly find information within your data and replace it with whatever you want. So let’s say you have a mistype in your data. One of your cities is called Derry, but during data entry you have accidentally spelled it Derby. With large volumes of data it can be very difficult to find this entry, or entries.
So you need to select the group of records that you want to search and then click the symbol that looks like a pair of binoculars. This will bring up the 'Find/Replace' Dialogue box. You can then enter the term you are looking for in the Find field, so Derby in this case. You then need to complete the Find Options checkbox if you would like to use wildcard characters, or match letter case or whole words.
Next you need to pick the Fields you want to search in the 'Fields' section. Once you have selected the relevant fields you should choose the 'Selected Fields' button and the list will become live. Click on each field that you would like to search and choose the right arrow button to transfer it across to the search list.
That is a quick and simple way of using MapInfo's tools to find and replace certain entries.
Find and replace does exactly what it says on the tin. It allows you to rapidly find information within your data and replace it with whatever you want. So let’s say you have a mistype in your data. One of your cities is called Derry, but during data entry you have accidentally spelled it Derby. With large volumes of data it can be very difficult to find this entry, or entries.
So you need to select the group of records that you want to search and then click the symbol that looks like a pair of binoculars. This will bring up the 'Find/Replace' Dialogue box. You can then enter the term you are looking for in the Find field, so Derby in this case. You then need to complete the Find Options checkbox if you would like to use wildcard characters, or match letter case or whole words.
Next you need to pick the Fields you want to search in the 'Fields' section. Once you have selected the relevant fields you should choose the 'Selected Fields' button and the list will become live. Click on each field that you would like to search and choose the right arrow button to transfer it across to the search list.
That is a quick and simple way of using MapInfo's tools to find and replace certain entries.