Step 1: Creating a new dataset – metadata

Before you start uploading your spreadsheet of data you need to create the metadata. Metadata is the underlying information which describes the context of the dataset and includes the name of the dataset and the contents of the info box on the map. Clink  metadata template for custom dataset uploads if you would like to download a template in which to prepare your metadata.

Follow the steps below to enter your metadata into the Community Insight Australia tool.

  • Click on the Settings Manage my datasets
  • You will then be directed to the Upload and manage your data page. Click on the New dataset button

metadata 1

You will see a page that looks like the below.

metadata 2

  • All the fields are required:
  • The Long name is the title which will appear in the info box on the maps. You may want to consider the date or define the terms of the data more tightly than in the short name.
  • The Short name appears as the indicator title on the map
  • A description is a useful way for you to describe how the data was collected and the reason behind its collection. It will also guide the interpretation and use of the data. This information will be shown in the Info button in the About The Indicator popup box. Fill this out so that other users have a clear understanding of the nature of the data. It is useful here to include the granularity of the data entered and any issues or gaps in the data e.g. data only available for NSW.
  • The source of your data
  • How frequently will you update this data? If you are unsure of when the data will be updated then you might want to enter ‘irregular updates’ or ‘unknown’.

metadata 3

  • Legend text describes what the the colours on the map represent. For example, the colours on the map show % of children in year 6 classified as obese. Tip: Start the legend text with the unit the info is in.
  • If your data has decimal places, specify how many decimal points you would like the data to display.
  • Use the 1000 separator to make large numbers clearer
  • Insert a prefix, if there is a symbol you would like displayed before the numerical value. For example, if you are uploading monetary data type in the $ symbol. If there is no prefix, leave this blank.
  • Insert a suffix if you would like a symbol such as % to appear after the numerical value. If there is no suffix, leave this blank.

metadata 4

Lastly to the important part: How do you want the data to be aggregated?

  • Please note: that this information cannot be edited after the data has been uploaded so ensure you have chosen the correct options.
  • Would you like the data you are uploading to be summed up to form a total or would you like the data to be averaged out? For more information on this feature click here
  • Data period type. How was your data collected? Was it a snapshot from a single point in time or collected over a period? The answer to this question will affect the process later on in the upload where you will be able to fill in the time of collection or the total period of time

Once all these fields are completed you can click Save your custom dataset and you will be directed back to the Manage your data home page.

Now that the metadata is complete you can start uploading your data.

Step 2: Uploading your dataset