The main CDXZipStream interface, developed from our patent, allows you to specify exactly where the demographic data you request is placed in your Excel worksheet. According to our client feedback, it does a very good job of managing the hundreds of variables available from the CDXZipStream database, while allowing the user to control how the data is returned so it won’t overwrite or otherwise interfere with existing worksheet entries. Let’s take a look at some of the special features of this interface:
Adding Fields
Once you’ve selected the desired data feed (such as CDXZipCode, CDXAreaCode, etc.), you can use the “Data Fields” area to pick and choose which fields from the feed you would like to return to the worksheet. Especially since some data feeds can contain over a hundred fields, remember to use the CTRL and SHIFT keys to easily select the right combination of fields:
- Hold down the SHIFT key while using the cursor to select the first and last fields of a block.
- Hold down the CTRL key while using the cursor to select individual, non-contiguous fields.
- Hold down the CTRL key while using the cursor to de-select individual fields within an already highlighted block of fields.
You can also add blank fields that will skip over an area of the worksheet if you would like to either retain the data already there, or to make room for areas you will need later for calculations involving the returned demographic data. Just click on the “Add Blank” button to add one or more blanks – it will show up as “ ------“ in the selected fields list.
You can also edit the selected fields list if necessary. As discussed above, use the SHIFT and CTRL keys with the cursor to highlight fields in this list, and then click on the “Remove” button to take them off the list. You can also change the order of the fields here using the up and down buttons on the right.
Keep in mind that after the data is returned to your worksheet, CDXZipStream will “remember” the last selected fields list and all associated settings during the current session of Excel - you won’t have to re-specify the selected fields unless you want to make a change.
Selecting Settings
The main CDXZipStream interface also has a “Settings” button that can be used to specify more general ways to insert data. These settings are also accessible from the “Applications Settings” icon on the main CDXZipStream toolbar. (Please see Using Application Settings on the Main CDXZipStream Toolbar for more information.)
The two settings applicable to our discussion here are the
- Index List: This allows for returned data to be imported as rows or columns, depending upon the configuration of the index list. The “index” is the input data you provide, such as zip codes, area codes, county, state, etc. For example, if you have indices such as zip codes listed in a single column in your worksheet, specify the indices are listed in a column and the returned data will also be returned as columns. Conversely, zip codes listed across a single row will require returned data in rows.
- Data Fields Location: In cases where there is already data next to the index list, you can specify here whether you prefer to overwrite the existing data and place the returned data immediately next to the index list, or let CDXZipStream find a blank area of the worksheet where the returned data will not overwrite any pre-existing data. Regardless of your choice here, there will be no impact on the selections made previously in the selected fields list; these selections, including any blank fields, will be retained. Selecting the second option here, where data is not overwritten, is helpful when you want to retain a historical record of the returned data.
Please also refer to our quickstart video below for a short demonstration of how to use the CDXZipStream interface:
The YouTube version is available here: CDXZipStream Tutorial