user manual

18
Chapter 3
This sequence of operations is known as a data stream becau se the data flows record b y record
from the sourc
e through each manipulation and, finally, to the destination—either a model or
type of data output.
Figure 3-5
A simple stream
IBM SPSS Modeler Stream Canvas
The stream canva s is the largest area of the IBM® SPSS® Modeler window and is where you will
build and man ipulate data streams.
Streams are created by drawing d iagrams of data oper ations relevant t
o your business on the
main canvas i n th e interface. Each operation is represented by an icon or node, and the nodes are
linked together in a stream r epresenting the flow of data through each operation.
You can work with multiple streams at one time in SPSS Modeler, either i
n the same stream
canvas or by opening a new stream canvas. During a session, streams are stored in the Streams
manager, at the upper right of the SPSS Modeler window.
Nodes Palette
Most of the data and modeling tools in IBM® SPSS® Modeler reside in the Nodes Palette, across
the bottom of the window below the stream canva s.
For e xample, th e Record Ops palet te tab contains node s that you can use to p erform operations
on the data records, such as s electing, me rging, and append ing.
To add nodes to the canvas, double-click icons from the Nodes Palette o r drag and dro p them
onto the canvas. You then connect th em to create a stream, representing the flow of data.
Figure 3-6
Record Ops tab on the nodes palette
Each palette tab contains a collection of related no des used for different phases of stream
operations, such as:
 Sources. Nodes bring data into SPSS Modeler.
 Record Ops. Nod es perform operations on data records, such as selecting, merging, and
appendi ng.