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Importing Indicator Data

Once an indicator has been created, data can be imported into GeoSight for visualization and analysis. GeoSight supports multiple import methods, including Excel files, APIs, SharePoint, SDMX, and related tables.


This guide focuses specifically on importing indicator data using the Excel Long Format, which is the most flexible and commonly used approach.


GeoSight uses indicators as centralized data containers, meaning a single indicator can store:

  • Multiple dates
  • Multiple geographies
  • Multiple uploads over time


This structure helps prevent duplicated indicators and keeps data organized across projects and dashboards.


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Before importing data, ensure that both your Reference Dataset and Indicator have already been created.


Excel Import Formats

GeoSight supports two Excel-based import structures.

Format Description
Excel LONG Format Supports multiple indicators, dates, and geographies within a single spreadsheet.
Excel WIDE Format Supports multiple indicators for a single date only, with indicators stored as columns.


For this tutorial, we will use the Excel LONG Format.


Your Excel file should contain the following required columns:

Column Description
GeographyCode Unique geographic code matching the reference dataset boundary codes.
IndicatorCode The indicator shortcode defined in GeoSight.
DateTime Date value for the observation (e.g. 2024-01-01).
Value The numeric or categorical observation value.


⚠️
Geography codes in your Excel file must exactly match the geographic codes stored in your Reference Dataset. Mismatched codes will prevent records from linking correctly.


Step 1: Import Data Page

Before importing any data, you first need to open the target indicator and access its data import interface.

  1. Navigate to Indicators.

  2. Locate your indicator (e.g. Sample Indicator A).

  3. Click the Import Data icon.


Indicator Page
Image credit: GeoSight


Step 2: General Settings

The General tab defines the type and format of the data being imported.


Use the following settings:

Setting Value
Import Type Indicator Value
Input Format Excel Long Format



General Tab
Image credit: GeoSight


Step 3: Upload the Excel File

The Attributes tab connects GeoSight to your Excel dataset.

  1. Open the Attributes tab.

  2. Click Choose File.

  3. Select your prepared Excel spreadsheet.

  4. Verify that the correct geography and indicator fields are detected.


Attributes Tab
Image credit: GeoSight


Step 4: Reference Layer & Time Settings

The Reference Layer & Time tab links the uploaded records to your administrative boundaries and time settings.

  1. Open the Reference Layer & Time tab.

  2. Select your reference dataset from the Reference Layer dropdown.

  3. Under Date Time Setting, select Data-Driven Date

  4. Choose the correct date field and format

  5. Click Submit.


Reference Layer & Time Tab
Image credit: GeoSight


Step 5: Preview Imported Records

After the upload is processed successfully:

  1. Click See the data.

  2. Review the imported records.

  3. Verify that:

    • Geography codes linked correctly
    • Dates appear correctly
    • Values imported successfully
    • No records are missing


Preview Imported Data
Image credit: GeoSight


Step 6: Save Imported Data

The final step is to save the validated records into GeoSight, making the data available for dashboards, maps, and analysis tools.

  1. Click Select All Data.

  2. Click Save.

  3. GeoSight will finalize the import and store the records within the indicator.


Save Imported Data
Image credit: GeoSight


Additional Import Sources

Although Excel imports are the most common workflow, GeoSight also supports several other import methods.

Import Source Description
API Connect to REST or GeoJSON services for automated imports.
SharePoint Import and synchronize cloud-hosted Excel files.
SDMX Connect to statistical data warehouse services using SDMX standards.
Related Tables Import large disaggregated datasets linked to indicators.
Vector Context Layers Generate indicators from vector spatial datasets.


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GeoSight also supports scheduled imports for APIs and SharePoint sources, allowing indicator data to update automatically at regular intervals.


Next up: Learn how to create and configure Basemaps in GeoSight to provide background mapping for your dashboards and projects.