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Data Preparation

Before uploading data to GeoSight, it’s important to ensure that both your spatial datasets and indicator data are correctly structured. Proper data preparation ensures smooth imports, accurate mapping, and reliable dashboard performance.


Reference (Spatial) Data

Reference datasets define the geographic boundaries used to display your indicator data (e.g. countries, provinces, districts). These are typically uploaded as shapefiles (.shp zipped) or other supported formats.


Each administrative level must include specific required fields:

Level Required Fields Description
Level 0 ucode, name Unique code and name for each feature (e.g. Country)
Level 1 ucode, name, level_0_ucode Includes a reference to the parent, Level 0 (e.g. Province)
Level 2 ucode, name, level_1_ucode Includes a reference to the parent, Level 1 (e.g. District)


Important notes:

  • The ucode must be unique for each feature.
  • Parent codes (e.g. level_1_ucode) must match existing codes in the higher level dataset.
  • Field names should match exactly to avoid import issues.


Indicator Data

GeoSight supports multiple data sources, including:

  • APIs (JSON)
  • Excel files
  • SharePoint Excel
  • SDMX Data Warehouse


The easiest method is importing data via Excel. Two formats are supported:


Excel Format


Excel LONG Format

Best for handling multiple indicators, locations, and time periods in a single file.


Required columns:

Column Description
GeographyCode Links to the ucode in your reference dataset.
IndicatorShortCode Must match the indicator shortcode in GeoSight.
Date A valid date (e.g. 01-01-2022).
Value The recorded value.


Excel WIDE Format

Best for multiple indicators at a single point in time.


Required columns:

Column Description
GeographyCode Links to the ucode.
Indicator columns Column names must match indicator shortcodes (e.g. ABC123).
Value The observation values.


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All records in a dataset must correspond to a single administrative level (e.g. districts only).


Data Preparation Workflow

Preparing your data follows a simple process:

  1. Prepare your reference dataset (boundaries with correct fields)
  2. Define your indicators (what you want to measure)
  3. Format your data (Excel LONG or WIDE)
  4. Ensure alignment between GeographyCode and ucode
  5. Validate your data before importing into GeoSight


Workflow


Next up: Learn how to prepare and upload Reference Datasets in GeoSight.