Data asset types

Understand the difference between Visualizations, Raw Data, Mega Data and Reports — and which one you need.

Every asset in the Data Midsouth catalog falls into one of four types. These types aren't just labels — they tell you what the asset looks like and what you can do with it.

Data: A structured raw dataset with rows and columns that you can work with in your browser or download to analyze in your own tools.

What it looks like: A data table on the asset page showing a preview of the records — column headers, values, rows. You can browse and filter the preview in-browser, then download the full file.

What you can do with it:

• Download in multiple formats (CSV, XLSX, JSON, GeoJSON, Shapefile)

• Open in Excel or Google Sheets

• Import into QGIS, Python, R, or any analysis tool

• Join with other datasets using shared fields like parcel ID or census tract

• Run calculations in the DMS platform using the Explore by Query feature

Who typically uses it:

• Data analysts running their own models

• Researchers building datasets for a study

• GIS professionals mapping custom geographies

• Nonprofits conducting spatial analysis for a grant

Examples in the catalog:

• Shelby County Building & Demolition Permits

• Shelby County Eviction Filings

Each Data asset page displays the date the data was last updated. Some datasets refresh monthly, others annually, and a few are static historical snapshots. Check the metadata on the asset page before using data in time-sensitive work.

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Visualizations: An interactive chart, map, or dashboard that you explore directly in your browser. No software required.

What it looks like: A web page with interactive elements —

• bar charts you can hover over for details

• maps you can zoom and pan

• dropdowns that filter the view

Some visualizations are simple single charts; others are full dashboards with multiple views.

What you can do with it: Explore the data visually, filter by geography or time period, and take screenshots for reports.

Coming soon: Embed it in a website or presentation (via an embed code on the asset page)

Who typically uses it:

• Community advocates presenting to a council

• Nonprofit staff building a grant narrative

• Journalists illustrating a story

• Researchers doing a quick scan of trends

Examples in the catalog:

• PreK Funding & Capacity Maps

• Healthy Shelby Food Insecurity Index

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Mega Data: A collection of visualizations in an online tool that cover many indicators across many data topics.

What it looks like: A comprehensive web application or dashboard with interactive elements

• bar charts you can hover over for details

• maps you can zoom and pan

• dropdowns that filter the view

Mega Data assets are a subset of Visualizations — they cover an especially wide and/or deep range of civic topics and data trends

What you can do with it: Explore the data visually, filter by geography or time period, and take screenshots for reports.

Who typically uses it:

• Community advocates presenting to a council

• Nonprofit staff building a grant narrative

• Journalists illustrating a story

• Researchers doing a quick scan of trends

Examples in the catalog:

• Think TN State of Our Counties

• Bloomberg City Data Explorer

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Reports: A research document, usually a PDF, produced by a local partner for a general or policy audience.

What it looks like: A downloadable document, typically a PDF, with narrative analysis, charts, and findings.

What you can do with it: Read it, download it, link to it, and cite it in your own work. Reports often include methodology notes and data sources you can use to dig deeper into a subject.

Who typically uses it:

• Funders and decision-makers looking for synthesized findings

• nonprofit staff writing grant proposals

• community members wanting accessible summaries of complex data

Examples in the catalog:

• Shelby County Commission Health Report

• Economic Impact of Arts & Culture Organizations