Why I can’t I use a LookUp - what’s the alternative?

[Steve C]

I’m using two maps.

The first map is a huge 6ft x 4ft rectangle and hangs on the wall.

The second map is an A~Z book with A4 sized pages.

The two maps are really the same map - of London - but, because one is in book format and the other is a giant single sheet of paper, the grid reference system is different.

To explain, on the big map square “A1” (top left) might translate as “Page 1 square 1A” on the book map – both corresponding grids show the same area of the ground.

There are about 3500 possible grid references (for each map type).

When I enter one of the possible 3500 A~Z book grid references for one record, I want a LookUp field to show the corresponding grid reference for the other, 6ft x 4ft rectangle version of the map without having to enter it.

The “commandments” on here say don’t use LookUps – is there a better way to achieve my objective?

If it’s any help. The db will never be in a multiuser environment and will have about 20,000 records when complete.

If you gentlemen agree it’s okay to use a LookUp, I will – otherwise I will take your advice.

Thank you in advance.

 

[RainLover]

The “commandments” on here say don’t use LookUps – is there a better way to achieve my objective?

If you read it properly it should say "In Tables"

Using Lookups is an important feature of Access.

The problem is when they are created at the Table level.

Don't use lookups in Tables.

Use Lookups in Forms as much as you like. With Confidence.

 

[Steve C]

I didn't read that right, thanks for steering me straight. I'll always be using a form to enter/edit/view data anyways. I was confused by another post from someone who says they never use LookUps.

I've created the Grid table and entered 3500 A~Z references (not the corresponding other map references yet) and set up the relationship to the Points Table field called PointGridAtoZ. But, I used a mask to insert a spacebar halfway through the reference ~ but the space disappears on the form. I'll try and fix it by playing around and learning more about Mask properties. If can't keep the format I will ask for some help here ~ let me have a try first. Learning by doing is sometimes the best way.

 

[RainLover]

It is important that you delete the lookups in the tables else you will be looking at the wrong data.

 

[Steve C]

cheers RainLover, something to do with tables displaying the reference to the data not the actual date I'm guessing.

I wouldn't have dared deleting a column in a Table in case that was different to hiding the column.