# 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.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://1095412806-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1ApIrdBTGqD08Mi8Gpp%2Fuploads%2FvxlpxQjzEp36nwGovs3r%2FData%20asset%20categories.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=84531249-c058-467e-b3ae-45b64379033c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### **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.

<figure><img src="https://1095412806-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1ApIrdBTGqD08Mi8Gpp%2Fuploads%2FeNBKiUyk6rWKbwqavqup%2FRaw%20Data%20Preview.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e36578e6-057b-4d3f-856c-b8d15fda926b" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**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:**&#x20;

* 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](https://help.datamidsouth.org/data-midsouth-portal/advanced-features/in-app-analysis) feature

<figure><img src="https://1095412806-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1ApIrdBTGqD08Mi8Gpp%2Fuploads%2FEBoFJJN8RjdXbK5abxEm%2FRaw%20Data%20Actions.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ca1bac65-eddf-4519-9507-fac00be663b9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Who typically uses it:**&#x20;

* 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:**&#x20;

* [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.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1095412806-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1ApIrdBTGqD08Mi8Gpp%2Fuploads%2F7TXTQ2qSjEq6K2MAAf43%2FVisualization%20Example.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a6851b9b-a537-4939-9246-fa82ca908eec" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**What it looks like:** A web page with interactive elements —&#x20;

* bar charts you can hover over for details
* maps you can zoom and pan
* dropdowns that filter the view

&#x20;     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:**&#x20;

* 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:**&#x20;

* [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.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1095412806-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1ApIrdBTGqD08Mi8Gpp%2Fuploads%2FCn3icVGar0mye9PBuCEN%2FMega%20Data%20Example.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1b41a7ba-6b28-4c6f-b322-b3496b6e0aac" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**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:**&#x20;

* 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:**&#x20;

* [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.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1095412806-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1ApIrdBTGqD08Mi8Gpp%2Fuploads%2FYftWZasIRRFc3FOvnrv9%2FReport%20Example.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cde4863e-9561-4bfc-a6ee-e4fce2361732" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**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:**&#x20;

* 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:**&#x20;

* [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/)