Exploring and Searching Datasets

Once logged in, you can begin exploring the data available on the CKAN platform.

Searching for Datasets

  1. 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.

  2. Filtering Search Results: After performing a search, you can refine the results by using filters such as:

    • Organization: Limits the search to datasets published by a specific organization.

    • Tags: Filters datasets based on specific labels or categories.

    • Formats: Narrows down results based on the file format (e.g., CSV, JSON, XML).

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:

  • Title: The dataset’s name.

  • Description: A detailed explanation of the dataset, including its purpose and usage.

  • Data Files (Resources): This section lists the actual data files associated with the dataset, often available in different formats.

  • Metadata: Information about the dataset, such as the publisher, date of creation, and licensing details.

  • Tags and Groups: Keywords and categories assigned to the dataset, which help users locate similar datasets.

Downloading and Previewing Data

  • Downloading: Click the file name or download icon next to each resource to download the dataset in your preferred format.

  • 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.