Creating New Record Outside Table

[Ziphius]

I have a database with 3 tables, "Survey" (parent table), and "Effort" and "Sightings" are tables nested under "Survey". I've created a layout that has all the data entry fields for "Effort" on one side of the form, and all the data fields for "Sightings" on the other side of the form so that the person can input data for either table on a single form (data entry happens fast and switching back and forth from form to form is difficult. However, the layout has to be based on only one of the tables (in this case it is based on the Effort table) so that when a new record is created, it knows to create that within the Effort table. But what if I want to create a new record for the "Sightings" table without leaving this layout? I don't want to use a portal because I don't have control over the layout of these fields, my only choice is table layout as far as I know. If all the fields are visible from a single layout, can I create new records for each of the two tables (Effort and Sightings) without leaving this layout? This way, everything can be input quickly and efficiently withough switching layouts, especially on the new iPad with the extra screen real estate. Thanks, Mark

Edited April 30, 2010 by Guest

[bruceR]

Can you post the files or clones or examples? Are there relationsihps between each of these tables and if so, could you describe it? Why don't you have control over the layouts? How did the iPad issue come up? There is no Filemaker for iPad. So is this instant web publishing?

Edited April 30, 2010 by Guest

[Ziphius]

04-29-10 05:28 PM - Post#355544 - Post Rank:

In response to deakos

Can you post the files or clones or examples? Are there relationsihps between each of these tables and if so, could you describe it? Why don't you have control over the layouts? How did the iPad issue come up? There is no Filemaker for iPad. So is this instant web publishing?

Edited by BruceR on 04-29-10 05:31 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

I've attached a simplified example of what I am trying to do. Basically it is two tables that have a many to many relationship. This is for line transect surveys from a plane looking for marine mammals. The effort table records when we are on effort and if the effort is systematic, transiting, or circling. Each time the effort type changes, a new record in the effort table is created. Each time there is a sighting, a record is added to the sightings table. So, we could be on a systematic leg, nothing changes, and we have five sightings on that leg type. But sometimes on a systematic line, we get a sighting and decide to circle the sighting. Now the sighting has two effort types associated with it (systematic and circling). And sometimes while circling a sighting, we may get 3 other sightings quickly in a row and if I am stuck in the Effort layout, I may not get the proper timestamps for the sightings. Ideally it would be good to have access to both tables at the same time and create new records in each from the same layout. Having a separate window open would allow me to work both tables simultaneously but unfortunately the plane is too small for a laptop so I am using fmTouch on an ipod or iPad which doesn't support two windows open at the same time. Is there maybe a way to do it with scripts and creating a scripted button that will add a record to one table or the other and never leaving the primary layout?

Also, when I said I don't have control over the layouts I was referring to using a portal, as far as I know a portal can only be in table view.

manyTOmany.fp7.zip

[bruceR]

Too confusing. What are you trying to do? What relates to what - very specifically.

[bruceR]

Also, when I said I don't have control over the layouts I was referring to using a portal, as far as I know a portal can only be in table view.

No, a portal cannot be used in table view. A portal can look more or less however you want. Most commonly, it is a scrolling list and each portal row is the height of one field. But portal rows can be taller and can be set up to contain more data if that's what you want. Note that a portal can even be just a single row.

What you're trying to do can be done but you'll need to provide more detail.

[comment]

How about something like the attached?

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BTW, I may be missing something, but I don't see a many-to-many relationship here.

Sightings.zip

Edited May 1, 2010 by Guest

[Ziphius]

I just recently read this reply and it is just what I was looking for, thank you.