To convert a data value to a different format

Use the Expression Editor to convert data values from one data type to another, such as converting numeric values to text strings, or text strings to date strings.

• Convert numeric or text strings to a particular numeric format. For example, if your data source stores a numeric value as a single-precision floating-point value, you can convert it to double-precision.
• Convert numeric values into text strings. For example, to extract a substring or find the number of characters in the string.
• Convert text strings to date strings so you can use Date Functions on them. For example, an assessor database can store the last date that a pipe was repaired as a simple text string.

To convert data with an expression

1. Open the Expression Editor. See To create an expression for more information.

2. Enter a Conversion Function manually in the expression area, or select the desired Conversion Function from the Expression Elements Menu.

3. Type a property name directly into the Expression Area or select the property from the Expression Elements Menu.

   Note: You can also Select valid property values from a list.

4. Specify any further arguments or values required by the function. For example:

   • Some conversions let you specify the format of the converted string. For example, if you convert a text string to a date format, you can specify how the date value appears. That expression could look like this: Todate ("Construction Date") For more information, see Date Formatting Options.

5. Click OK to apply the expression.

Additional tips

For help with any expression element, see Creating Expressions - Reference.