Map rules

Map rules are used in output cards of a map to define how output data is built. Map rules are required for output data generation. If there is no map rule, there is no output data. When no output is desired for a given data object, a map rule of =NONE is required.

A map is not complete until each rule cell has a map rule, or appears dimmed (the map rule is unavailable). Empty rule cells generate a build error when the map is built.

A map specifies how to generate a particular output data object, or multiple independent objects, each of a particular type. Each output card has a rule column in which you enter map rules. Color-coding of map rules provides visual ease of use in formulating and understanding rules. When color-coding is enabled, syntax errors in map rules are underlined.

Map rules are validated only when that map rule is changed.