Creating Indicators

Indicators are the core data containers within GeoSight. They store and organize statistical or thematic information across multiple geographies and time periods, allowing data to be visualized consistently across dashboards and maps.

Unlike traditional systems that require separate datasets for different countries or years, GeoSight stores all related observations inside a single indicator using dimensions such as:

• Geography
• Time
• Value
• Category

This approach simplifies data management, improves consistency, and reduces duplicate datasets across projects.

The Indicators page allows users to:

Function	Description
Create Indicators	Create new indicators and configure metadata, styles, labels, and aggregation.
Search & Filter	Find indicators quickly using search tools, sorting, and filters.
Edit Indicators	Update existing indicator settings, styles, labels, or metadata.
Import Data	Upload Excel or API-based indicator data into an existing indicator.
Browse Data	View, validate, and manage imported indicator records.
Share Access	Control which users or groups can access or manage the indicator.

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Before creating a new indicator, first search existing indicators to avoid creating duplicates. A single indicator can store values across multiple countries, dates, and administrative levels.

Step 1: Open the Indicators Page

The Indicators page is the central hub for managing all indicators you have access to.

1. In the left-side navigation panel, click Indicators.

2. Use the Search field to locate existing indicators.

3. Select an indicator checkbox to enable editing or deletion options.

Image credit: GeoSight

Step 2: Create a New Indicator

Creating an indicator defines the structure, metadata, and visualization settings before any data is imported.

1. Click Create New Indicator.

2. Complete the required fields in the General tab.

3. Configure optional settings such as aggregation, styling, and labels.

4. Click Save.

Image credit: GeoSight

The General tab contains the core metadata and configuration for the indicator.

Field	Description
Name	The display name of the indicator.
Description	Optional metadata describing methodology, context, or calculation details.
Source	Optional information about the source of the data.
Shortcode	A globally unique identifier used during imports and integrations.
Category	The thematic category assigned to the indicator.
Unit	The measurement unit for the indicator (e.g. %, people, hectares).
Indicator Type	Defines whether the indicator stores Integer, Float, or Category values.
Min / Max Value	Optional value range limits used for validation or styling.

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Indicator shortcodes must be unique across the entire GeoSight platform. Avoid using spaces or special characters.

Step 3: Configure Aggregation

Aggregation settings control how lower administrative data is summarized into higher administrative levels.

1. Open the Aggregation tab.

2. Enable Allow aggregation upper level if required.

3. Select the preferred aggregation method.

Aggregation Type	Description
COUNT	Counts the number of available records or sub-districts.
SUM	Calculates the total combined value.
AVG	Calculates the average value.
MAX	Returns the highest value.
MIN	Returns the lowest value.

Image credit: GeoSight

Step 4: Configure Indicator Styles

Styles determine how the indicator is visualized on the map.

1. Open the Style tab.

2. Select a style type or predefined style.

3. Choose a colour palette.

4. Configure classifications and class counts.

5. Save the style settings.

Style Option	Description
Palette	Select a predefined colour palette.
Reverse Palette	Reverse the order of colours.
Classification	Define how values are grouped into classes.
Number of Classes	Set the number of map classes.
Outline Styling	Configure polygon outlines and border colours.

Image credit: GeoSight

Step 5: Configure Labels

Labels allow values and metadata to appear directly on administrative boundaries in the map view.

1. Open the Label tab.

2. Configure the label text format.

3. Adjust font styling, size, colour, and halo settings.

4. Save the label configuration.

Available label variables include:

• {name} — Geography name
• {value} — Indicator value
• {date} — Observation date
• {code} — Geography code
• {label} — Classification label

Image credit: GeoSight

Additional Indicator Operations

GeoSight provides several additional tools directly from the Indicators table.

Operation	Description
Browse Data	View and manage imported indicator records.
Import Data	Upload new indicator observations.
Management Form	Configure forms and attribute settings.
Management Map	Configure map-related management tools.
Change Share Configuration	Manage access permissions for indicator data.

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Next up: Learn how to import Indicator Data into GeoSight using Excel files, reference datasets, and time-enabled data configurations.