Data Planet

There are several ways to access statistics in Data Planet, each with their own features:

1. Home: This is the database's home page, where you can browse for datasets and access the site's other features.
2. Datasets: Lets you browse and compare datasets by subject, source, or geographical location.
3. Data Basics: Explains the basics of utilizing statistics.  Topics include exploring and finding statistics, evaluating datasets, interpreting and using statistics, and writing about and citing statistical information.
4. Help: Provides a FAQ page, accessibility toolkit, and research guide list to assist you in conducting research on statistics.

Datasets allows you to compare and contrast different sets of data from any of the database's listed subjects.  To view a data set:

1. Narrow down the datasets you would like to browse by selecting from one of the four filters on the left side of the page: Featured, Subject, Source, and Geography.
2. Select a subject or location from the filter you selected.  There are often subtopics below these, so you may be given the option to select a subtopic as well.
3. View your data set and use the checkboxes to view different sets of data within the subject.  Most data sets will have checkboxes that include different years, time periods, and countries/regions.
4. Select how you want to see the data set by clicking on a chart type.  The most common options are trend, map, pie chart, or a ranking system.  The most practical visual for your data set will depend on the type of data and its subject.

Below the chart, you can also view basic information about the data set.  This includes the original data source, citation information, how often it is updated, and category.  While you are browsing datasets, the results will appear in the center of the page.

To interact with the charts, there are the following tools available:

• Table: Creates an exportable table of a data set, which is compatible with spreadsheet applications.
• Export: Lets you export the data set as a downloadable file to your device (Microsoft Excel, PDF, etc.)
• Cite: Provides premade citations in different citation formats.
• Calculator: Lets you conduct different calculations with data sets.
• Embed: Provides a URL link that can be placed on other platforms.

Datasets Results Page (Map)

Data Basics serves as an educational tool for interpreting and evaluating data sets.  It is a useful tool for those new to evaluating statistics.  It provides guidance on these topics and questions:

• Explore and Find Statistics
  • How do I choose a topic?
  • Will statistics help make my point?
  • Where can I find statistics that I need?
• Evaluate Data Sets and Sources
  • How do I know if my data are reliable?
  • How can I understand the dataset I've found?
  • What are the data variables and how do they affect statistics?
• Interpret and Use Statistics
  • What are things I should understand about data visualizations?
  • How do we write about statistics?
  • How do I cite my statistics?
  • What are my responsibilities in using data?

Data Planet's Help page contains the following features:

• Accessibility Toolkit:  A guide to help users to navigate the platform.  It contains information on reading, viewing, and interacting with the site. It also has information on multimedia limitations and how to contact Data Planet for extra assistance.
• Frequently Asked Questions: Contains commonly asked questions for students and researchers.
• Search Guides: A list of guides designed to assist users in using Data Planet and understanding the data on the platform.  The list contains guides on the following subjects:
  • About Data
  • About Data Planet
  • About Data Planet Premium Datasets
  • Agriculture and Food
  • Banking, Finance, and Insurance
  • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
  • Education
  • Energy Resources and Industries
  • Government and Politics
  • Health
  • Housing and Construction
  • Industry, Business, and Commerce
  • International Relations and Trade
  • Labor and Employment
  • Natural Resources and Environment
  • Population and Income
  • Prices, Consumption, and Cost of Living

You can learn more about using Data Planet by viewing our tutorial below.