Exploring and Searching Datasets
Once logged in, you can begin exploring the data available on the CKAN platform.
Searching for Datasets
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Global Search Bar: At the top of the page, you will find a search bar. You can enter keywords related to the dataset you are looking for. CKAN will return results based on the metadata, tags, and descriptions of datasets.
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Filtering Search Results: After performing a search, you can refine the results by using filters such as:
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Organization: Limits the search to datasets published by a specific organization.
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Tags: Filters datasets based on specific labels or categories.
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Formats: Narrows down results based on the file format (e.g., CSV, JSON, XML).
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Dataset Page Structure
When you click on a dataset from the search results, you will be taken to the dataset’s detail page. This page typically contains:
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Title: The dataset’s name.
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Description: A detailed explanation of the dataset, including its purpose and usage.
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Data Files (Resources): This section lists the actual data files associated with the dataset, often available in different formats.
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Metadata: Information about the dataset, such as the publisher, date of creation, and licensing details.
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Tags and Groups: Keywords and categories assigned to the dataset, which help users locate similar datasets.
Downloading and Previewing Data
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Downloading: Click the file name or download icon next to each resource to download the dataset in your preferred format.
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Data Preview: If supported, CKAN allows in-browser preview of tabular data, such as CSV or Excel files. Simply click the "Preview" button on the dataset resource page to view a snapshot of the data without downloading it.