Not all data is the right fit for every project. This checklist will help you think through whether a dataset meets your needs.
Before you select a dataset, ask yourself:
- Is this data good enough for my purpose?
- Would I be comfortable explaining my choice to someone else?
If yes, the data is probably a good fit.
What to consider
When deciding if data is fit-for-purpose, consider:
Your purpose for the data
- What was the original intended purpose of the data?
- What are you trying to find out or do?
- Is the dataset about the right topic or location?
- Is it recent enough for your needs?
- Was it collected using a sound method?
Your abilities to read and understand the data
- Can you understand the data and the ideas behind it?
- Do you have the skills, tools or technology to work with it?
- Can you access it in a format that works for you?
What you need to use the data
- What licence applies to the data? Can you use it the way you need to? Learn more at Licensing and reuse.
- Is the file format compatible with your tools? Learn more at Data, software and information formats.
- Is the quality good enough for your purpose? Learn more at About data quality statements.
Where do I find this information?
Each dataset in SEED includes a metadata statement and a data quality statement. Together, they tell you what the data is, how it is collected, and how suitable it is for different uses.
To learn more, visit About metadata statements or About Data Quality Statements.
For more detailed information on how to select and use fit-for-purpose data you can visit: