Ordering the Data files

ButlerL2
Offline
Joined:
10/08/2011

Hello

When adding new dataset files to the data.gov.uk website - which we do monthly – the option/functionality to order the data files seems to have been removed.

Previously, there existed a feature to allow data files to be moved up and down using clickable arrow icons.

Is it important for us to show the data in the most usable way for our customers - for example, having the most recent Open Data at the top of a data set.

Therefore could you please advise:

  • Is there another way to order the data files?
  • will this functionality be restored in the future?

Any help with this will be much appreciated.

Regards
04/08/2012 12:40 #1
AAcuna
Offline
Joined:
18/07/2011

Ordering files

Hi,

 

The functionality you mention has been removed for very good reasons.  There is a distinction between single files datasets and timeseries.  A single file dataset does not get update, it is a snapshot dataset.  A timeseries is a dataset that contains data that is continually updated (as long as the data is still being collected)

In order to simplify the process we have made the following changes:

A dataset now has a single file or timseries selector

On a dataset selected as a timeseries a date box has been added, this box requires the date of the file, so for example if the file is expenditure for the month of May 2012, you would enter the last day of the month of May 2012 as the date, not the date on which you are entering the file.

If the dataset is set as a timeseries and you enter the dates following the format specified, the system will automatically sort the files by the date field, most recent on top

NOTE --- At the moment, if you are changing an existing file to a timeseries, the system will clean the files list, add the date box and you will have to manually enter everything again.  We know this is not ideal and are working on releasing a fix that will maintain your data but add the date box and do the automatic sorting.  This should be pushed to the live system in the first week of September.

This change allows for more accurate representation of the dataset, permits future functionality, such as grouping files by year so large datasets do not become cumbersome and too long and will on the whole provide a better experience to those using the site.

I do realize that until we push the change mentioned above, the process is rather unfriendly, sorry for that, but once implemented it will make your life much, much easier as a publisher.