Mapping Records into Columns and Rows

Matrix maps extend the capabilities of X-Author for Excel well beyond the list format. In lists, one record is represented per Excel row or column. Using matrices, a record can be represented by one or more cells by mapping columns and rows (the X and Y axes) of a matrix as well as the data contained in the cell at the intersection of the mapped column and row. Depending on the design, some matrix cells may be updatable by a user. If no value exists in that cell, adding a value can create a new record depending on the matrix design. The following table describes the basic elements of Matrix Maps.

Term	Definition
Matrix	A matrix is any area comprised of one or more sections.
Section	A section is an area of the matrix that represents a single record. It can include one or many row-column-data combinations. Every matrix has at least one section. Each section can also have its own section filters.
Column mapping	A column mapping is created when you drag a field to the worksheet from a List object. The value in the cell can either be a static field label, a static field value, or a dynamic field value.
Row mapping	A row mapping is created when you drag a field to the worksheet from a List object. The value in the cell can either be a static field label, a static field value, or a dynamic field value.
Data mapping	A data mapping is created when you drag a field to the worksheet from a List object. It must be created after the column and row mappings are in place. Each data mapping with its column and row mappings must be its own section or must be added to an existing section.
Matrix filters	Matrix filters are part of the data-getter actions and filter the data as it moves from your environment into the matrix. Matrix filters can be displayed above the matrix or elsewhere in the workbook.

A section is simply any combination of a column and/or a row and the associated data cells, either with or without filters, that represents a single record.
A section may also be that same column-and-row-plus-data combination with the addition of filters.
There can be an unlimited number of sections in a matrix and an unlimited number of matrices in a worksheet.
The data values can be static or dynamic and can be either field names or field values from one or more objects.
Filters can be applied to an entire matrix through both the Query action and the Search or Select action, or they can be applied separately for each section.
Empty rows or columns, with or without formulas, can be added.
Data is saved via Save Maps which are associated with Sections, not fields.