# Mapping column values to return values

Multiple-row VALUES tables are useful in mapping column values to desired return values in queries.

    -- get the names of all departments in OhioSELECT DeptName
    FROM Depts,
    (VALUES (1, 'Shoe'),
        (2, 'Laces'),
        (4, 'Polish'))
    AS DeptMap(DeptCode,DeptDesc)
    WHERE Depts.DeptCode = DeptMap.DeptCode
    AND Depts.DeptLocn LIKE '%Ohio%'

You might also find it useful to store values used often for mapping in a persistent table and then using that table in the query.

Parent topic: Tricks of the VALUES clause
Related concepts
Multiple rows
Creating empty queries