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:
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:
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:
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:
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