Presentation given by David Parker (MVP) at the Visio Conference 2008 introducing Link Data to Shapes and Data Graphics ... still relevant for Visio 2010

2. Visualizing Information the Smart
(Diagram) Way
David J Parker
MVP (Visio)
bVisual ltd

3. Microsoft MVP (Visio)
Microsoft MCP (Visio, SQL)
Pre-Microsoft acquisition
Visio Business Partner, 1996-8
Speaker at Visio Conferences 1997 &1998
Started bVisual in 1998
Post-Microsoft acquisition
Microsoft Visio Solution Provider since 1999
Speaker at Microsoft Office Visio Conferences 2006
Visio Solution Provider Training for Microsoft EMEA
Visualizing Information with Microsoft Office Visio 2007
McGraw-Hill, 2007
• http://www.visualizinginformation.com
DataLegends – Visio add-in to add Data Graphic legends
• http://www.visiotoolbox.com/productdetail.aspx?productid=9
WBS Modeler for Visio and Project
www.wbsmodeler.com
Visio Examples
• http://www.bvisual.net/examples.htm

5. On-line
Shape
Graphics
Data odc Prints
Source
Data
Visio Drawing Reports
Import > Link > Display > Communicate

6. Visual data
Microsoft Office Visio 2007 Standard
Database Wizard
Microsoft Office Visio 2007 Professional
Database Wizard
Database reverse engineering
UML models
Link Data To Shapes *
PivotDiagrams *
Data Graphics *

7. Visio Professional 2007
Shape Data
Renamed from Custom Properties
Link Data to Shapes
Multiple data sources per shape
Read only
Uses Office Data Connections (*.odc files)
PivotDiagrams
Diagrammatic version of PivotTables
Uses Office Data Connections (*.odc files)
Data Graphics
Data sensitive text and graphics on shapes

8. .NET Primary Interoperability Assemblies (PIAs)
Sample code
Save
As
Web
Visio Object Model (COM)
Data Diagramming
Tools & Wizards
Extensibility Support
Visio SDK
ML
VSTO Add-in
Full Visio Visio Drawing
Visio Viewer
COM Add-in Client App Control (ActiveX)
Add-ons
VBA
ShapeStudio
Drawings
ShapeSheet, Smart Shapes
Visio
Visio Engine

9. DataConnection and DataRecordsets
Visio 12.0 Type Lib
Add, AddFromConnectionFile, AddFromXML
UI and code links to:
Microsoft Office Excel & Access
SharePoint Services Lists
SQL Server Tables and Views
OLEDB & ODBC
Can also create link in code to :
SQL Server stored procedures
XML files

10. Declarations & Connection String
Dim dds As Visio.DataRecordset 'The data recordset
Dim ary() As String ‘Array to hold the p key columns
Dim SQLConnStr As String 'The connection string
Dim SQLCommStr As String 'The Command string
Dim datasetName As String 'The dataset name
SQLConnStr = "Provider=SQLOLEDB.1;" & _
"Integrated Security=SSPI;" & _
"Persist Security Info=True;" & _
"Data Source=.;" & _
"Initial Catalog=AdventureWorks;" & _
"Use Procedure for Prepare=1“

11. Command String & Adding DataRecordset
SQLCommStr = "EXEC uspGetEmployees 1"
ary() = Split("EmployeeID", ";")
datasetName = "Employees“
Set dds = Visio.ActiveDocument.DataRecordsets.Add( _
SQLConnStr, SQLCommStr, _
VisDataRecordsetAddOptions.visDataRecordsetDelayQuery, _
datasetName)
dds.SetPrimaryKey VisPrimaryKeySettings.visKeySingle, ary()
dds.Refresh
Visio.ActiveWindow.Windows.ItemFromID( _
visWinIDExternalData).Visible = True

12. Connection String
Dim doc As Visio.Document
Dim dst As Visio.DataRecordset
Dim xmlFile As String
Dim dom As New MSXML2.DOMDocument
Dim OK As Boolean
Set doc = Visio.ActiveDocument
xmlFile = “MyXMLFile.xml"
OK = dom.Load(xmlFile)
Set dst = doc.DataRecordsets.AddFromXML( _
dom.XML, 0, “Any Name")

13. UI and code refreshing of DataRecordset
.Refresh
.GetAllRefreshConflicts
.GetMatchingRowsForRefreshConflict
.RemoveRefreshConflict
XML files can only be refreshed in code
.RefreshUsingXML
Automation requires assigned name and file

14. Dim doc As Visio.Document
Dim dst As Visio.DataRecordset
Dim xmlFile As String
Dim dom As New MSXML2.DOMDocument
Dim OK As Boolean
Set doc = Visio.ActiveDocument
xmlFile = “MyXMLFile.xml"
OK = dom.Load(xmlFile)
For Each dst In Visio.ActiveDocument.DataRecordsets
If dst.Name = “Any Name" Then
dst.RefreshUsingXML dom.XML
Exit For
End If
Next

15. External Data Window
Select a Master – Drag data row(s)
Drag a data row onto any shape
Shape Data key field(s) contain values -
AutoLink

16. What the user sees
Shape Data automatically added to shapes
Basic Data Graphics usually added by
default

17. Behind the scenes
User-defined Cells
Shape Data
_VisDM_ prefixes column names
Unless already exist!

18. Importing Data

19. Definition
DropManyLinkedU
ObjectsToInstance() array of variants
XYs() array of doubles
DataRecordsetID long
DataRowIDs() array of longs
ApplyDataGraphicAfterLink boolean
ShapeIDs() out array of longs

20. Example
'Retrieve the row ids from the datarecordset
Dim aryRowIDs() As Long
aryRowIDs = drs.GetDataRowIDs("")
'Drop the master in random co-ords, and linked to the
'datarecordset, applying a DataGraphic
Dim aryShapeIDs() As Long
Dim applyDataGraphics As Boolean
Visio.ActiveDocument.DocumentSheet.Cells( _
"User.msvLastAppliedDataGraphic").FormulaU = _
"=""Data - Employees"""
applyDataGraphics = True
Visio.ActivePage.DropManyLinkedU _
aryMsts, aryXYs, drs.ID, aryRowIDs, _
applyDataGraphics , aryShapeIDs

21. Linking Data to Shapes
Drop Many...

22. Using DataRecordsets in code
Many types of diagrams require shapes to
be connected
Organization Charts, Network diagrams,
Process
Connecting shapes example code
ConnectSubordinates
ConnectDottedLineManagers
Can then use different layouts for display
LayoutPage... example code
LayoutSelection... example code

23. Code excerpt
For iEmp = 0 To UBound(aryShapeIDs)
'Get the potential manager row
Set shpEmp = Visio.ActivePage.Shapes.ItemFromID(aryShapeIDs(iEmp))
rowID = shpEmp.GetLinkedDataRow(drs.ID)
varRowData = drs.GetRowData(rowID)
'Arrays are zero based
empID = CLng(varRowData(empColumn - 1))
'Filter the rows to get sub-ordinates of the current employee
aryRowIDs = drs.GetDataRowIDs("ManagerID = " & CStr(empID))
'Iterate thru the subordinate datarecordset rows
For iSub = 0 To UBound(aryRowIDs)
v = drs.GetRowData(aryRowIDs(iSub))
'Get the subordinate shapes
Visio.ActivePage.GetShapesLinkedToDataRow drs.ID, aryRowIDs(iSub), arySubShapeIDs
'Check that there is actually something in the array
If IsArrayAllocated(arySubShapeIDs) = True Then
'Iterate thru the subordinate shapes
For iSubShape = 0 To UBound(arySubShapeIDs)
Set shpSub = Visio.ActivePage.Shapes.ItemFromID(arySubShapeIDs(iSubShape))
'Create a dynamic connection from manager to subordinate
shpEmp.AutoConnect shpSub, visAutoConnectDirUp
Next iSubShape
End If
Next iSub
Next iEmp

24. Standard Hierachy Org Chart Page Layout
Modified with Selection Layout
cf Org Chart Wizard

25. Other Page Layouts may also be suitable
Compact Tree
Radial
Circular

26. Connecting Shapes from Data
Reading Data and Layouts

27. 'Get the DataRecordset
Dim drs As DataRecordset
Set drs = Visio.ActiveWindow.Windows.ItemFromID( _
Visio.visWinIDExternalData).SelectedDataRecordset
...
‘Get the connection string
Dim conStr As String
conStr = drs.DataConnection.ConnectionString
‘Use the connection string to create a connection
Dim dbCnxn As New ADODB.Connection
dbCnxn.ConnectionString = conStr
dbCnxn.Open
dbCnxn.BeginTrans
...

28. Writing Data from Shapes

29. Overview
Color By Value
Text
Data Bar
Icon Set

30. What the user sees
Document stencil only shows visible
masters
Drawing Explorer displays all (but not type)

31. Behind the scenes
Public Sub EnumMasters()
Dim mst As Visio.Master
Debug.Print "ID", "Hidden", "Type", "IsDGCallout", "Name"
For Each mst In Visio.ActiveDocument.Masters
Debug.Print mst.ID, mst.Hidden, mst.Type, _
mst.Shapes(1).IsDataGraphicCallout, mst.name
Next mst
End Sub

32. Normal
Master
Master
GraphicItem
instance with
Master
DataGraphic
DataGraphic
Master
Document Stencil Document Page

33. Create a new DataGraphic master
Document.Masters.AddEx(visTypeDataGraphic)
Open the new Master
Master.Open
Copy an existing GraphicItem to it
.GraphicItems.AddCopy(existingGI)
Amend GraphicItems
.HorizontalPosition & .VerticalPosition
.SetExpression VisGraphicField, string
Close Master

34. SetDataBarMinMaxValues code
A Data Bar graphic item can be
Multiple times in same Data Graphic
In multiple Data Graphics
Each instance has different value ranges
Min and max values read from shape
instances
Prop. msvCalloutField
Data Bar can have multiple fields
E.g. Multi-bar graph
Prop. msvCalloutPropFieldn where n=2 to 5
Update master using .Open

35. 5. Update
DataGraphic
Master Data Bar
GraphicItem
Min/Max Values 4. Read
Min/Max of
2. Collect Data Bar
Data Bar Graphic Items
GraphicItems
1. Get Active
DataGraphic 3. Create Selection
Master
Document Stencil Document Page

36. Start Part
Const UserType As String = "User.msvCalloutType“
Const UserDGID As String = "User.visDGItemID "
Const PropMax As String = "Prop.msvCalloutPropMax"
Const PropMin As String = "Prop.msvCalloutPropMin“
'Get the active Data Graphic
Dim mstDG As Master
Set mstDG = GetActiveDataGraphic
im dicDataBarShapes As New Dictionary
Dim gi As Visio.GraphicItem
'Create a dictionary of data bars
For Each gi In mstDG.GraphicItems
If gi.Type = visTypeDataBar Then
dicDataBarShapes.Add CStr(gi.ID), 0
End If
Next gi

37. Middle Part
Dim colDataBarShapes As New Collection
Dim itmGraphic As Visio.shape
Dim gID As String
'Update the data bars dictionary with shape pseudo-index
For Each itmGraphic In mstDG.Shapes(1).Shapes
If itmGraphic.IsDataGraphicCallout = True Then
If itmGraphic.Cells(UserType).ResultStr("") = "Data Bar" Then
gID = CStr(itmGraphic.Cells(UserDGID).ResultInt("", 0))
dicDataBarShapes.Item(gID) = itmGraphic.NameU
colDataBarShapes.Add gID
End If
End If
Next itmGraphic
'Iterate thru each page to collect min/max values
For Each pag In Visio.ActiveDocument.Pages
'Get all shapes that use this data graphic master
Set sel = pag.CreateSelection(visSelTypeByDataGraphic, 0, mstDG)
...
Next shp
Next pag

38. End Part
...
'Finally - update the ItemGraphic in the DataGraphic Master
Dim mstCopy As Visio.Master
Set mstCopy = mstDG.Open
For Each itmGraphic In mstCopy.Shapes(1).Shapes
If itmGraphic.IsDataGraphicCallout = True Then
If itmGraphic.Cells(UserType).ResultStr("") = "Data Bar" Then
gID = CStr(itmGraphic.Cells(UserDGID).ResultInt("", 0))
itmGraphic.Cells(PropMax).FormulaU = "=" & dicMaxVal.Item(gID)
itmGraphic.Cells(PropMin).FormulaU = "=" & dicMinVal.Item(gID)
End If
End If
Next itmGraphic
'Close the copy to update all instances
mstCopy.Close

39. Data Graphics
Updating DataBar Minimum and Maximum Values
automatically

40. Breakdown
Breakdown data into Categories
Sort
Merge
Promote
Collapse

41. Breakdown
PivotDiagram is an add-on
Not an API extension
Only launched in code from SharePoint
Services List (soon to be published MSDN
article)
Use code to select in various ways
Aids in applying DataGraphics and extra
DataRecordsets
E.g. SelectSameBreakdownName sample

42. ...
Set vsoWindow = Visio.Application.ActiveWindow
If vsoWindow.Selection.Count > 0 Then
Set shp = vsoWindow.Selection.PrimaryItem
If IsPivotNode(shp) = True Then
breakdownName = _
GetGroupNameByID(GetBreakdownID(shp))
SelectByBreakdownName breakdownName
End If
End If

43. IsPivotNode = isPivotShapeType(shape, ePivotShapeType.Node)
Private Function isPivotShapeType(ByVal shape As Visio.shape, _
ByVal pivotShapeType As ePivotShapeType) As Boolean
If Not shape.CellExists(UserDDShapeType, _
Visio.VisExistsFlags.visExistsAnywhere) = 0 Then
If shape.Cells(UserDDShapeType).ResultIU = pivotShapeType Then
isPivotShapeType = True
Else
isPivotShapeType = False
End If
Else
isPivotShapeType = False
End If
End Function

44. PivotDiagrams
Custom Selections

45. DataLegends
Legends for Icon Sets & Color By Value

46. DataLegends

47. David J Parker
Microsoft MVP (Visio)
http://www.bVisual.net
Book
http://www.visualizinginformation.com
davidp@bvisual.net

48. Visio 2007 SDK
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms409183.aspx
Visio 2007 Solution Development Workshop
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=332c211e-
581e-4029-9839-8f45de10b4c2&DisplayLang=en
Visio Developer Portal
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/office/aa905478.aspx
Visio Insight blog
http://blogs.msdn.com/visio/
Visio MVP web site
http://visio.mvps.org/
My Visio Blog
http://bvisual.spaces.live.com/

49. Book Discount Vouchers
(visit my booth)

50. Visualizing Information the Smart
(Diagram) Way

51. Time End User Track Solution Developer Track
(Lassen Room) (Kodiak Room)
1:45pm - 2:45pm Integrating Visio 2007 with Visio 2007 as a Solutions
Yesterday Other Office Applications Development Platform
3:00pm - 4:00pm Get Creative with Data in Developing Visio Solutions with
Yesterday Visio 2007 Visual Studio Tools for Office
4:30pm - 5:30pm Understanding and Visio Solution Developer Pain
Yesterday Demystifying Visio Shapes Points
10:45am - 11:45am Visio Futures - API Insights
Today
1:15pm - 2:15pm Visualizing Information the Smart
Today (Diagram) Way
2:30pm - 3:30pm Going Further with Data
Today Connectivity

52. © 2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market
conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation.
MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.