in cocos2d how can I create an array of sprites and put in a map pattern?

Question

trying to create a space invaders game and putting the sprites in an upside down pyramid.

I found this idea of using an array with a matrix to hold the pattern.

array[3][5] {
             11111
             01110
             00100
            }

the array has 3 rows and 5 columns. the 1's are the ships and the 0's is blank.

can someone help?

thanks