The Import Wizard is a valuable tool for converting external data directly into DataComp.

The Import Wizard helps cut down on the time it takes to enter comps into your private DataComp database. It allows you to import data from multiple outside data subscription services or public record sources.

With the DataComp Import Wizard, you can set up a simple filter and bring in data so there’s no need to retype the basic property info like address, date of sale, legal description, etc. The“source” data populates the selected fields for you!

Suggested Tips:

  • Break the data up into module specific spreadsheets (Land, Improved, etc.). This cuts down on confusion and makes the import easier.
  • Keep the conversions small, about 100 records at a time. Larger data sets will convert much slower and will potentially crash the Import Wizard if they are too large.
  • Ensure that the data is compatible with the corresponding data field. Don’t try to import text into a numerical field. Make sure the character length does not exceed what is set in DataComp. For a list of DataComp fields, field types and character lengths please call Tech Support at 813-221-0703.
  • To import “Gross Land Size” as a square foot value, append an “s” to the numerical value in the spreadsheet.

System Requirements

To use the DataComp Import Wizard your system must meet the current system specifications for DataComp. Visit for DataComp System Requirements.

Getting Started

There are only a few basic steps necessary to utilize the Import Wizard:

1)Ensure that your source data meets the External Data Requirements (See below).

2) Establish your company’s policies for importing external (potentially unconfirmed) data into your database (We recommend creating a second database specifically for imported data, however this is not necessary to use the Import Wizard), and determine a location for source data, mapping filters, and import (.xml) files created with the Import Wizard.

3)Create your Data Mapping Filter(s).

External Data Requirements

Before using the Import Wizard, you will need to ensure that your external data meets the following criteria:

  • External data for import must be in Microsoft Excel .csv(comma separated value) format. Many data sources offer the option of automatically importing into a .csv file. (If your external data is not in this format by default, it is up to you to ensure that it is before using the Import Wizard).
  • Your external data must be entered with headers running horizontally with the data entered vertically.
  • Please ensure that your spreadsheet does not include any split panes, formulas, hidden rows or columns. Multiple worksheets are acceptable, as the mapping process allows you to specify which worksheet contains the data to be imported.

TIP: To import “Gross Land Size” as a SF value, place an “s” after the numerical value in the spreadsheet. For example, 435,000 should look like 435,000s.

Creating Data Mapping Filters

The first time that you use a new or different data source, you will need to create a Data Mapping Filter to specify the fields in DataComp that correspond with the labels (horizontal data headers) in your source data. If you only plan on using one external data source, and the data imported into Excel will always be in the same format, you will only be required to map your fields once, as the filter can then be saved and reused for future data imports.

1)Open the DataComp Import Wizard and select the module into which you would like your external data imported and click on “Select Data Mapping Filter” to choose or create a filter for your external data.

2)Select “Create a New XML Filter” and browse for the external data document that you want to use for specifying which columns you would like imported into DataComp, and where you would like them imported. Make sure that the selection in the “File type” field underneath the “file name” area corresponds with the type of file you are searching for.

NOTE: All current field and format limitations in DataComp are mirrored in the Import Utility. This means that you can not import text into a numerical field, etc.

3)Once you have selected the Source File/Worksheet (the Excel file that you are going to use to create your XML filter, which is usually also the Excel file containing the data you want to import) click “Get Data.” (Note: If the excel document you have selected consists of multiple pages, a pull down menu will appear after you browse for the file that requires you to specify which page of the worksheet you would like to use as your mapping source). The right side of the mapping screen will populate with all of the fields listed in the spreadsheet you selected. Now it is time to create a new “filter.”

The left side of the screen represents all of the fields in DataComp (in whichever module you have selected) into which data can be imported. The right side of the screen represents all of the fields from your source data that need to be mapped to a corresponding field in DataComp.

Please be advised that fields that are not mapped will not be imported.

4)On the left side of the screen, select the field that you would like to map; you will know that it has been selected by the tan (or color that you have specified through your desktop settings) hue that highlights the field.

Then scroll through the fields on the right side of the screen until you locate the field that corresponds with the highlighted field on the right side of the screen. Click on “” to map the fields. The “User Columns” area on the left side of the screen will then populate with the excel file column name selected.

**Only 3 DataComp fields allow for multiple field mapping: Comments, User Comments, and the Discussion Paragraph.

Continue with this process until you have mapped all desired/applicable fields. When you are ready to save the filter you have created, click on “Save Filter” and then “Continue.”

Editing an Existing Filter

To make changes to an existing filter, follow the steps above. After selecting your existing mapping filter, select your source data sheet, and click on “Edit Mapping.”

Exporting Data to XML

At this point, you have successfully created a filter to map your source data fields to DataComp. The following instructions will walk you through the final steps of exporting your source data into a file that can be used in DataComp.

1)Your Data Mapping Filter should already be selected, if it is not, do so at this time. (See Creating Data Mapping Filters for more information).

2)Select your Source (data) Excel file path. (The spreadsheet with the data that you want to import into DataComp). If there is more than one worksheet within the spreadsheet, you will be asked to specify which worksheet contains the data.

3)Click on “Export Data to XML.”

4)You will be asked to specify where you would like the .xml file that will be created (which will contain your converted data) to be stored on your computer. It is important that you remember this location when it is time to import the data into DataComp.

5)Upon completion of the export, you will receive a pop up notification stating the amount of records created, and the location of the files. Any blank rows or data that does not meet current DataComp format validations will not be imported, but will not prevent the remainder of your data that does meet current validations from being imported.

6)Your external data is now converted and ready to be imported into DataComp!

Importing Your XML File Into DataComp

1)Open DataComp, log in, and select the same module selected when you created your import file through the filter. (I.E. Land Sales, Improved Lease).

2)Pull down the File menu and select the Import option. If Import and Export are not available on the File menu your database administrator has disabled Import/ExportRights for your User ID. You (or your database administrator) will need to enable import/export rights for your User ID through the Edit Users section of the Admin Module.

3)When the Import Source dialog box pops up, DataComp is asking for the location of the XML file you’d like to import. This is the same location that the file was saved to in Step 4 of “Exporting Data to XML.” Select the location, and click the Ok button. All the data is automatically imported into your DataComp database.