Date:         Mon, 8 Sep 1997 12:38:52 -0500
Reply-To:     "Tverdek, Edward" <etverdek@SPSS.COM>
Sender:       "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <SPSSX-L@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU>
From:         "Tverdek, Edward" <etverdek@SPSS.COM>
Subject:      Re: Odd data file to import
Comments: To: "APUGH.EPI.VDH.STATE.VA.US" <AMPUGH@VDH.STATE.VA.US>

Amy,
 
I'm not exactly sure from your description if it would
be applicable here, but its sounds like you might be
able read the data in free-field format, provided that
the variables are in the same order for each case and
that there are no blanks representing missing values.
 
Otherwise, you might take a look at the REPEATING DATA
option in Appendix D of the SPSS Syntax Reference Guide
("Defining Complex Files").  It sounds like you may also
be able to read the file with an input program involving
this procedure.
 
I hope this helps,
 
Ed Tverdek
SPSS Technical Support
 
>----------
>From:  APUGH.EPI.VDH.STATE.VA.US[SMTP:AMPUGH@VDH.STATE.VA.US]
>Sent:  Monday, September 08, 1997 11:24 AM
>To:    SPSSX-L@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU
>Subject:       Odd data file to import
>
>Hi all,
>
>We need to read in a raw data file in which each case has 1,863 characters
>(variables are fixed format).  The problem is that subsequent cases are begun
>immediately following the end of the previous one, so that 1) a single row
>can
>have data for two cases, 2) each case thus begins in a different column (not
>at column one), and 3) variables for each case would also begin/end with
>different column definitions.
>
>There are over 600 cases.  Is there anyway to salvage this data?
>
>TIA.
>
>----------------------------------
>Amy Monfalcone Pugh
>Statistical Analysis Coordinator
>Virginia Cancer Registry
>
>ampugh@vdh.state.va.us
>