====== Importing parameters to Ecolego ======

Parameter values can be imported from either Excel or the [[Parameter_database|parameter database]]. The procedure is the same; the only difference is that when importing from Excel an Excel file must be selected before opening the window.

To import values from Excel, select

**File|Import|Import Values from Excel…** and select a file from which to import values.

To import values from a [[Parameter_database|parameter database]] (requires [[Parameter_database_toolbox|Parameter database toolbox]]), select

**File|Import|Import Values from Database…**. Values will be imported from the currently selected [[Project_(Parameter_database)|database project]].

===== Import window =====

{{:ImportFromExcelWindow.png}}
In the list to the left, all available [[Parameter_instance|parameter instances]] are presented. These can be moved to the model by using the arrow buttons. The table in the center shows all parameters that will be imported, either updating existing parameter values or creating new parameters in the model.

==== Selecting parameters ====

{{:ImportDatabase.png}}
The list to the left of the window displays all [[Parameter|parameters]] and [[Lookup_table|lookup tables]] that can be imported. Below the list a field allows you to search for [[Block|blocks]] with a specific name. By clicking the **more** button, more search options are shown.

Use the arrow buttons to move parameters to the table on the right.

==== Automatic matching ====

When parameters are selected, the current project will be searched for matching parameters with the following precedence:

  - If the [[excel_parameter_format|GUID]] of the parameter in the database/Excel matches the [[excel_parameter_format|GUID]] of a [[Parameter|parameter]]([[Scenario|scenario]])
  - If the [[Tag|tags]] of the parameter in the database matches the sub-system of the parameter and (if applicable) the tag matches a [[Scenario|scenario]].

Example 1: The model contains a parameter named //rho// which is located in the sub-system //Rurh.Soil//. The database lists three parameters named //rho// with the following tags:

  - //rho (Rurh, Lake, Conservative)//
  - //rho (Rurh, Soil, Experimental)//
  - //rho (Paris, Soil)//

In this case the model parameter will be matched with database parameter no 2, as it contains tags for both sub-system Rurh and Soil.

Example 2: The parameter //rho// is [[Scenario|scenario dependent]] and has the following scenarios: //Conservative//, //Experimental//.The database lists four parameters named //rho// with the following tags:

  - //rho (Rurh, Lake, Conservative)//
  - //rho (Rurh, Soil, Conservative)//
  - //rho (Rurh, Lake, Experimental)//
  - //rho (Rurh, Soil, Experimental)//
  - //rho (Rurh, Soil)//

In this case the model parameter will be matched with database parameters no 2,4 and 5:

  * //Rurh.Soil.rho[Conservative]// to 2.
  * //Rurh.Soil.rho[Experimental]// to 4.
  * //Rurh.Soil.rho[//default] to 5.

==== Creating or updating ====

{{:ImportModel.png}}
For each parameter that has been selected the user is given two options: either update an existing parameter in the model, or create a new parameter.

Two thick lines divide the table into three sections:

  * The first section shows the parameter as defined in the database/Excel.
  * The second section relates to updating an existing parameter. Tic the checkbox next to the column **Selected parameter** to choose this option.
  * The third section relates to creating a new an existing parameter. Tic the checkbox next to the column **Create parameter** to choose this option.

=== Updating parameters ===

A parameter can be updated if it has the same dependencies in the model as in the database/Excel (the name does not matter - only values are imported).

  - Select the box next to the column **Selected parameter**
  - Click the in **Selected parameter** field. A window will appear to select an existing parameter from the model.
  - If the parameter is scenario dependent, you can select a specific [[Scenario|scenario]] to overwrite.

=== Creating new parameters ===

Before a parameter can be created, the dependencies of the parameter must already exist in the model. Refer to [[Importing_index_lists_to_Ecolego|Importing index lists to Ecolego]].

  - Select the box next to the column **Create parameter**
  - Enter a name for the parameter in the field **Create parameter**
  - Select a sub-system for the parameter by clicking the field **Sub-system**.

===== Finalizing the import =====

Click the **Import** button in the bottom of the window to import the selected parameters to the model.

Once you have selected a name and location for the Excel file, the **Export** button will be activated. Click the button to finalize the export and close the window.

===== See also =====

  * [[Excel_parameter_format|Excel parameter format]]
  * [[Synchronizing_parameters|Synchronizing parameters]]
  * [[Exporting_and_importing_data|Exporting and importing data]]