What is a map file?
A Map file stores your subject definitions to help 'speed up' the import process.
It stores the settings that are used in the mapping process e.g. qualification mappings, where a subject called 'Art and Design' is linked with qualification 6000XXXX.
A Map file can be saved at the end of the mapping process in the import wizard so that future imports can be completed more quickly. By loading the Map file it will recall the settings saved in that file.
The following notes may also help:
1) The Map file will only work where the subject(s) is named exactly the same in the data to be imported and the Map file. For example, a Map file with a link for a subject named 'German 9-1' will NOT be applied to a column in the import named 'German GCSE 9-1'.
2) It is possible to use a Map file to complete part of the import only. For example, you may be importing a new subject for the first time along with your usual set of subjects. Use the Map file to quickly Map subjects which have been used before, and then manually map your new subject. Remember to create a new Map file for future imports.
It is likely that schools will have a set of map files; 1 or 2 for each cohort, depending on the names of subjects used for each year group and the qualifications on offer.
You can save a Map file after the import by going to Admin > Edit Subject > File> Create Import Map. The settings will be based on the selected series and will contain all the subjects and their qualification links as shown on the left of the Edit Subjects tool.
Article revised: 20/07/2020