7 November 2011
(Step 3 of 7 of eSpatial’s “Get started using GIS in 7 easy steps” series.)
In Step 1 you created a prioritised list of questions you wanted to answer – and in Step 2, you identified the data you needed to answer those questions.
In Step 3, it’s time to gather and format that data.
Gather your data
Export data from your CRM, gather spreadsheets and CSVs – do whatever needs to be done to get all your data together.
To save time later, we recommend that you:
- Make sure each file contains the information you expect and need.
- Identify where the same information is replicated in 2 different datasets, and decide which source you’ll use.
This shouldn’t be too time-consuming – you just need to actually get all the data together, in one place, at the same time. To make the formatting as quick and efficient as possible, it’s important to have all your data together before you begin formatting it.
Format your data
With all your data in one place, you’re ready to format it! You need to look at the data labels and values and make sure that they’re clear, consistent and correct.
Success with Geographic Information System (GIS) software relies in part on clear, well-formatted data. In some instances, the labels or categories will translate directly into the software – so take time to make sure that they’re clear and easily understood.
We’d suggest keeping the following considerations in mind:
- Consistency
Try to keep terminology and measurements consistent. For example:- Use the same, common abbreviations across all datasets – it’s quicker to read and work with if you don’t have to spend time guessing what each abbreviation means!
- Use common measurements and currencies where possible – it makes it easier to create real comparisons – “apples with apples”, rather than “apples with oranges”.
- Audience
Think who will be using the data in your GIS software – and who will see the results. Use terminology and abbreviations that are not only consistent, but also meaningful to these audiences. - Future use
You have the ability to upload more data than you immediately require – and can save this data for future use. Consider:- If uploading an extra column of data will provide answers to questions further down your list – it could be a small investment now that will really pay off in the future.
- Whether you’re likely to add datasets on a regular basis, and the overheads that you’ll incur if you make radical changes to how the data is formatted.
Above all, remember that your GIS software, like any analytical tool, can only analyse the data it’s fed. You can map and analyse poor-quality data, but it won’t yield the truly valuable insights that high-quality data will!
Mastered gathering and formatting your data? You’re ready for Step 4: Create a map & upload your data.
