2 5 1 Understand Transformation Maps and the Mapping Tool

LANSA Composer

2.5.1 Understand Transformation Maps and the Mapping Tool

LANSA Composer includes Altova MapForce, a powerful visual mapping tool, for defining these transformations. The Transformation Maps created with the visual mapping tool can be directly integrated into your business processes along with transport and other activities.

Here's how LANSA Composer and Altova MapForce combine to define and use Transformation Map:

  • When you edit your Transformation Maps, LANSA Composer will start MapForce to provide the visual mapping tools. You use the tools in MapForce to visually define source and target components and connections between the data items in each.
  • When you prepare your Transformation Maps, LANSA Composer silently and invisibly invokes MapForce to generate the Java code for the map, and then LANSA Composer compiles the code and installs it ready for use.
  • When a Processing Sequence executes your Transformation Maps, it simply invokes the generated and compiled Java code via a LANSA Integrator service provided for the purpose. Neither Altova MapForce, nor any other Altova software need be installed on the server computer at run-time.

Note: LANSA Composer uses only specific MapForce functionality and user interface options. Please refer to Unsupported MapForce Functionality for a list of unsupported functionality. Should you use an unsupported function, Transformation Map definitions that make use of these functions may not integrate correctly with LANSA Composer.