The GIMPORT Procedure

PROC GIMPORT Statement

Identifies the input file to be processed, and specifies its file type and format. Optionally specifies an output catalog.

Syntax

PROC GIMPORT FILEREF=cgm-fileref | 'external-file'
FILETYPE=CGM
FORMAT=BINARY | CHARACTER | CLEARTEXT
<GOUT=<libref.>output-catalog>;

Required Arguments

FILEREF=cgm-fileref | 'external-file'

specifies the computer graphics metafile (CGM) that is input for PROC GIMPORT. Following are the possible values for FILEREF=:

cgm-fileref: a fileref that is associated with the CGM and that has been previously defined using a FILENAME statement or host command.
'external-file': the complete file name of the CGM that you want to import. See the operating system companion for your system for valid values for external-file.

Featured in:

Adjusting the Graphics Output

FILETYPE=CGM

specifies the type of the input file, that is, the graphics standard to which the file conforms. CGM is the only valid value for the FILETYPE= argument. If the FILETYPE= argument is omitted, an error is issued and the procedure stops.

Featured in:

Adjusting the Graphics Output

FORMAT=BINARY | CHARACTER | CLEARTEXT

specifies the format of the input file. CGMs can be encoded in one of the following three formats:

BINARY: specifies binary encoding. It is not printable.
CHARACTER: specifies an encoding suitable for transfer through networks that cannot support binary transfers. It is printable but not readable.
CLEARTEXT: specifies a text format that can be read using a standard text editor.

Most graphics packages use BINARY format. If you specify the wrong format, an "ERROR: Unable to interpret the CGM file" message is issued and the procedure stops. If this occurs, try a different format.

Featured in: Adjusting the Graphics Output

Options

GOUT=<libref.>output-catalog

specifies the SAS catalog in which to save the graphics output produced by the GIMPORT procedure. If you omit the libref, SAS/GRAPH looks for the catalog in the temporary library called WORK and creates the catalog if it does not exist.

See also:

Storing Graphics Output in SAS Catalogs

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