# Data asset types 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](/data-midsouth-portal/advanced-features/in-app-analysis.md) 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](https://www.datamidsouth.org/explore/assets/shelby-county-building-and-demolition-permits/) * [Shelby County Eviction Filings](https://www.datamidsouth.org/explore/assets/eviction-court-cases-shelby-county/) {% hint style="info" %} 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. {% endhint %} *** ### **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](https://www.datamidsouth.org/explore/assets/pre-k-capacity-and-funding-in-shelby-county-2026/) * [Healthy Shelby Food Insecurity Index](https://www.datamidsouth.org/explore/assets/healthy-shelby-food-insecurity-index0/) *** ### **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](https://www.thinktennessee.org/state-of-our-counties/#dashboard_top) * [Bloomberg City Data Explorer](https://cde.govex.jhu.edu/city/c-us-tn-mem) *** ### **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](https://www.datamidsouth.org/explore/assets/shelby-county-commission-district-health-report-2024/) * [Economic Impact of Arts & Culture Organizations](https://www.datamidsouth.org/explore/assets/the-economic-and-social-impact-of-nonprofit-arts-and-culture-organizations-shelby-county/) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.datamidsouth.org/data-midsouth-portal/features/data-asset-types.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.