Learn how to use XML maps to customize Excel as a data input and display system.

Many automated spreadsheet solutions support the fact that XML maps in Microsoft Office Excel 2003 provide a fast and flexible way to move data between scattered spreadsheet cells and a back-end data source. Custom automation of the XML mapping process does three things:

  • Eliminates errors when spreadsheet authors want to change the layout (for example, add or remove or move data cells)
  • Significantly decreases change-processing time
  • Provides useful metadata to facilitate database maintenance, and streamlines reporting from data gathered in the data source–linked spreadsheet.

This article describes several useful methods that enable advanced Excel users to automate the XML mapping process.