Create and Save Datasets | FEWS NET Help Center

About Data Series and Datasets

Once you have applied your search terms and filters, you will be presented with a list of all available data series that match your criteria.

A data series is a collection of related data points from a single data source that are viewable as a single row within a table of data. They represent the change over time for a specific indicator. Data series are presented in table format and ordered alphabetically by country or name. They are always found beneath the search and filter section.

A dataset is a collection of data series.

For the Spatial topic, Geo Unit Set Versions are used instead of Data series.

Create Datasets

You can create a dataset by selecting the checkboxes next to one or more data series in the All Data Series tab. You can clear your selections using the Clear Selection button.

The quantity of selected data series will be displayed next to the Selected tab. Click on this tab to view all of the data series you selected.

Most of the column headings in the selection tables are described in the Filter Descriptions page. However, here are a few additional notes:

First collection date: Period date for the first collection/reporting period in the data series.
Last collection date: Period date for the last collection/reporting period in the data series.
Locality: The geographic unit where the population data was reported. This may be an administrative unit, livelihood zone, border point, market, or other geographic unit. If the geographic unit is a market, the locality will specify urban or rural. If the geographic unit set version has an associated date, that will also be appended to the locality.
Name: In the Exchange Rates topic this is formatted as {to_currency} per {from_currency}: {rate_type}: {market.full_name}.
Operation type: The type of intervention (i.e., Emergency or Development).

Not all topics allow for the selection and saving of data. For example, the Crop and Food Security Classification topics.

Save Datasets

You can save both selections and searches that you think you will want to access in the future.

Selections save only the data series you have selected. The set of data series included within these datasets will not change over time. However, when accessed, the system automatically fetches the most current data within those data series from the server. To save a selection, click the Save Selection button.
Searches save your search parameters and selected filters. When accessed, the system automatically fetches the most current list of data series from the server that matches those saved parameters. Therefore, the set of data series within a saved search may change over time. To save a search, click the Save Search button.

In the dialogue box that opens after you click the Save Selection or Save Search button, enter a name and description for the new search or selection. Visibility and ownership rights can also be set from here.

Dataset visibility

Dataset visibility can be selected from the following options:

Public: Visibility is not restricted.
Owner: Visibility is restricted to the individual who created the dataset.
Group: Visibility is restricted to the user’s Group. You may belong to multiple groups.
FEWS NET Only: Visibility is restricted to FEWS NET staff.

Visibility only means that the Dataset is visible. It does not give access to the underlying data. For example, if a Public Dataset contains restricted data, then all users can see the Dataset and use it to select data, but users without the appropriate permissions will receive an extract that excludes the restricted data.

View Saved Datasets

To access saved datasets:

Navigate to the topic in which you would like to view the saved dataset.
Click the View Datasets button in the search and filter box.
You will see a list of saved datasets organized by visibility.
Click on any row to open the dataset listed in that row.

Edit a saved dataset

Navigate to the topic in which you would like to view the saved dataset.
Click the View Datasets button in the search and filter box.
You can use the Owner tab to view only datasets that you own or use the search box to find a dataset by name.
Select the desired dataset from the saved datasets table by clicking on the Name.
Make edits to your search or selected data series:
- To add a data series to the dataset: Click on the All Series tab to view all data series that match your search and filter criteria. Change the search and filter criteria if needed. Find the data series you want to add and check the box next to the data series to add it to your dataset.
- To remove a data series from the dataset: Uncheck the data series you want to remove.
- To edit your search: Enter your new search or filter criteria.
Click Update Dataset.
- If you want to edit dataset details you can do so from this popup. You can rename a dataset, update the description, adjust the visibility, and change the owner.
Click Update Dataset on the popup to save your changes.

Delete a saved dataset

Navigate to the topic in which you would like to view the saved dataset.
Click the View Datasets button in the search and filter box.
Select the trash icon for the specific dataset from the Delete column of the saved datasets table.