Importing Data as New, a Replacement, or Part of a Series

When importing a dataset, you have the option to add it as new, a replacement, or part of a series. This means that your data can be on its own, replace an existing dataset, or be a new dataset that is associated with other, earlier ones.

Adding a record as new is the simplest option. It will be an independent dataset, unconnected to other ones. Any dataset can be uploaded as new.

Adding a replacement dataset is very convenient if you have records to add an existing dataset and want to upload it without having to reenter all of its metadata and designate datatypes. Replacement datasets have to have the same number of columns, all with the same names. You can only replace datasets that you own and have not been set as editable.

Datasets that are part of a series have to meet the same criteria as replacement datasets, but instead of replacing data, this dataset will be associated with other datasets as a group. This means that when a dataset joins a series it should have the same number of columns with the same names as the other preexisting datasets.

Each series has its own name. If you don't already have a series that you can associate your dataset with, you can name and start one at upload. You'll also need to choose a dataset to start the series, one you own that is not editable. If the dataset you're uploading is the first in a series, you will have to wait until your second one to start the series.

Dataset series are especially useful if you want to have datasets representing different information over time. You can upload new information as you get it and Insight will visualize it so that you have a clean, easy way to look it over.