Attribute Maps allow for the definition of lookup tables, which can be used in Attribute and Rule definitions. The most common use case for this feature is to map given names, for example, "Bill" to "William" or "Kathy" to "Catherine".There are several steps involved in defining and using Attribute Maps.

  1. Add a new Attribute Map. It might be called something like Nicknames.
  2. Add Attribute Mappings within the Map. Attribute Mappings are simple Query/Value pairs - if Query is received in the Match request and Value is found in the Matchgrid, then Query and Value are treated as the same. Attribute Mappings can be added in two ways:
    1. Manually, by defining Query/Value pairs.
    2. By installing a pre-defined mapping. The only pre-defined mapping currently available is English Nicknames. The nickname database is based on the Old Dominion University Nickname and Diminutive Names Lookup project. Once installed, it can be further refined by manually editing the Query/Value pairs.
  3. After the Attribute Map is created, attach it to one or more Attributes, as desired (via the Attribute configuration). In the case of the nicknames example, attach the nicknames mapping to the given name Attribute.
  4. Finally, in the desired Rule, set the Attribute to use Search Type Mapping. This should typically only be done in Rules configured for Potential Confidence Mode.
    1. When using the English Nicknames mapping, the Attribute should be set to Case Sensitive: No.
    2. (info) A Mapping Rule will also perform an Exact match. There is no need to either specify a Query/Value pair where both entries are the same, or to add a second Mapping Rule in Exact mode.