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Introduction

What Is a Dataset?​

A dataset is a structured collection of data designed for specific purposes, such as analysis, reporting, or application development. A typical dataset comprises both data and metadata.

The data within a dataset can be represented either directly as files or as references to services available on the Internet. Data files can be optimized for processing with software tools or for reading by humans.

Processable data files are usually tables in CSV or spreadsheet formats. Additionally, parsable data can be stored in JSON or XML files or exported into professional application-specific formats, such as geospatial data formats.

Human-readable files are primarily documents in PDF or word processor formats.

Scientific datasets containing multiple data files often provide archive files. An archive might include not only data files but also technical documentation.

The classification of typical methods used in datasets for providing data is represented in the chart below.

Data representation variants

It is common for datasets to contain multiple data files representing the same information in different formats, aiming to better serve dataset users.

A dataset's metadata describes the dataset in terms of subject domains, geographical context, and other significant attributes.

Where Do Datasets Come From?​

Any organization or individual who owns valuable data can publish it as a dataset. A typical dataset publisher is one of the following:

  • An official international or government entity
  • An independent non-profit organization
  • A scientific organization or project
  • A consortium or a business

Technically, a dataset publication is either a data file or a public data-providing service available on the Internet. In practice, data that truly matters is usually published by reputable entities with the organizational and technical capacity to maintain datasets at an acceptable level of quality. These publishers often establish extensive catalogs containing multiple datasets, each accompanied by helpful metadata.

Who Looks For Datasets?​

A dataset is a professional information product created by experts for experts. Typical dataset users include:

  • Analysts monitoring trends and insights
  • Data engineers integrating datasets into applications
  • Scientists conducting data-driven research
  • Data journalists uncovering stories hidden in raw data

IMPORTANT

Most dataset users do not expect to find explicit answers to their questions within datasets. Insightful findings emerge from data processing and the analytical interpretation of results, such as aggregated statistical indicators, pivot tables, and diagrams. Moreover, it is rare for research to rely on a single dataset. Researchers often gather datasets from various sources and merge heterogeneous data.

In today’s data-driven world, finding the right dataset is both essential and challenging.

When was Edward the Confessor born? Is there a rhino at the Yerevan Zoo? Search engines can answer almost any question, as long as the information is available somewhere on the web. Yet, datasets are a completely different case.

Datasets do not provide direct answers to our questions. First, methods of analysis need to be proposed. Then, analytical tools are used to extract meaningful information from raw data. Finally, the findings are summarized. Hence, before diving into dataset searches, we must decide how we plan to use them.

Why Is Dataset Search a Challenge?​

At a minimum, the following traits of desired datasets should be considered:

  • Credibility—what makes a dataset trustworthy for us?
  • Relevance—which datasets are likely to contain the information we need?
  • Processability—which dataset formats are most compatible with our requirements?
  • Availability—under what conditions can we legally use the datasets?

Credibility of a dataset can be supported by the credibility of the catalog's owner, the use of professional data management software, and domain-specific data formats.

Relevance of dataset search results can be achieved by focusing on appropriate geographical areas and subject domains.

Processability is ensured by publishing data in suitable data types and file formats. For example, CSV or spreadsheet files are ideal if you plan to load the data into a database. Meanwhile, human-readable documents work better for experts who need to read and summarize information.

Availability of datasets might be limited by publishers' license conditions.

Obviously, naive full-text indexing of links to data files and the surrounding text does not allow us to search for datasets based on these criteria. Moreover, straightforward search cannot distinguish datasets from blocks of data that only vaguely resemble them.

How Does Dateno Help Search Datasets?​

What is Dateno?​

Dateno is a public service that identifies expertly crafted datasets available on the Internet.

The main functions of Dateno are:

  • Maintaining the dataset registry
  • Providing dataset search features

Maintaining the Dataset Registry​

The registry maintained by Dateno tracks tens of millions of datasets hosted in thousands of catalogs. Dateno acts proactively, continuously searching for authoritative data publishers and rich dataset catalogs while monitoring updates. It parses catalog and dataset metadata and constructs uniform, structured descriptions for each entry in its registry. This approach ensures a comprehensive and consistent dataset repository, making it easier for users to discover high-quality data relevant to their needs.

Searching Datasets Over the Registry​

Dateno's advanced search features enable users to find datasets that fully meet their needs. The service offers the following techniques for dataset search:

How to Find a Dataset in Dateno?​

To benefit from Dateno's digital assets and search capabilities, follow these steps:

  1. Decide which datasets you need
  2. Write a helpful search query
  3. Exclude irrelevant outcomes
  4. Save your best findings

How to Access Datasets?​

Once you have found datasets that fit your requirements, you can use them in the following ways:

Welcome to the captivating world of datasets!