Query Tool

What is the Query Tool?

The Query Tool is a support tool in the Tygron Platform that aids the user by constructing data requests in the Tygron Query Language (TQL) and displaying the query output. By using this tool, the user can quickly verify if the data needed can be extracted from the project data with the available query elements. Also the tool allows for verification of the validity of the retrieved data. All this can be achieved without creating and uploading a dedicated Query Spread Sheet. See also: Excel (Indicator)

How does the Query Tool relate to the Tygron Platform

Query Tool Panel

A project in the Tygron Platform can use multiple geospatial data sources. In the Netherlands the Tygron Platform uses for instance BAG and Top10NL data, while in New York the Tygron Platform uses the PLUTO data set from the NYC Municipality. Both regions use OpenStreetMaps for the placement of roads etc.

To retrieve all sorts of data that are present, but for which no dedicated data structure (predefined indicators) already exists, the TQL (Tygron Query Language) has been developed. By using queries with the below structure, dedicated data requests can be sent to the Tygron Platform, from which the results can then be calculated in, for instance, an Excel Indicator.

SELECT Result Parameter WHERE Clause AND Clause AND Clause AND... etc.

The Query Tool provides an interface in the Editor that allows for quick creation and verification of such TQL Queries.

How to use the Query Tool in the Tygron Platform

Editor → Current Situation (Ribbon tab) → Queries (Ribbon bar)

The Query Tool can be found in the Tygron Platform Editor, under the ribbon header, in the Tools tab, by selecting the Query Tool Button. The Query Tool consists of three areas; the construction drop down menus, the actual query as a result from the construction selections and its result. It is theoretically possible to add an unlimited number of clauses. This being said, only a limited amount (of combinations) of options is available to do so.

How to use the Query Tool:

Select Editor → Tools → Query Tool
Select the desired Result Parameter
Add clauses, as many as needed
Select the clause properties from the drop down menus
Notice the full query string appears in the Query field
Notice the actual Query result on the bottom of the panel

1. Select Editor → Tools → Query Tool
2. Select Result parameter
3. Add clauses
4. Select the clause properties
5. Notice the full query string in the Query field
6. Actual Query result

Uses of the Query Tool

There are a couple of main uses for the Tygron Query Tool:

The Query Tool can be used to verify if data is available for queries in the project area.
The tool can also be used to create queries, which can be copied and pasted in an Excel file to be uploaded as an Excel Indicator.
The reverse is also possible, recreating a query in the tool from an Excel Indicator file, to verify if the query actually grabs data from the project area.