If you have not only seven temperature values to store but also measurements taken at three different locations, a two-dimensional array is suitable.
Elements of such an array are addressed via two indices:
- The first index represents the measurement number.
- The second index represents the location where the measurement was taken.
The following procedure demonstrates this, displaying the values for each location in separate columns:
Sub MultiDimensionalArray()
Dim T(1 To 7, 1 To 3) As Integer
Dim i As Integer, k As Integer
ThisWorkbook.Worksheets("Sheet1").Activate
Randomize
For i = 1 To 7
For k = 1 To 3
T(i, k) = Rnd * 10 + 20
Cells(i, k).Value = T(i, k)
Next k
Next i
End Sub
Explanation:
- The statement Dim T(1 To 7, 1 To 3) As Integer declares a two-dimensional array with 7 rows and 3 columns of type Integer. Both indices start at 1.
- The procedure uses two nested For loops:
- The outer loop variable i runs from 1 to 7 (measurement number).
- The inner loop variable k runs from 1 to 3 (location index).
- The inner loop completes its full cycle for each single iteration of the outer loop, allowing access to all 21 elements.
- Each element T(i, k) is assigned a random value between 20 and 30.
- The entire array is displayed on the worksheet, with each location’s measurements in its own column.
Extending to Higher Dimensions:
- If you have 7 measurements per day at 3 locations for 31 days, you need a 3-dimensional array:
- Dim T(1 To 7, 1 To 3, 1 To 31) As Integer ‘ Or better, As Single
This array has 7 × 3 × 31 elements.
- Further, if you measure not only temperature but also wind direction, wind speed, and humidity, you would need a 4-dimensional array:
- Dim T(1 To 7, 1 To 3, 1 To 31, 1 To 4) As Single
- Arrays provide great flexibility to store and process large amounts of data temporarily during execution.
Persistent Storage Note:
For permanent storage, you need to save data to files (see Section 9.2, Simple Text Files) or better, databases.