Data practices
This page describes how Insightnix handles data used in dashboards and downloadable files: where it is sourced from, how it is prepared, and what standards are applied before it appears on the platform. It is intended for users who need to understand the process behind the visuals and datasets.
- Applies to datasets used in Insightnix dashboards.
- Covers preparation steps before charts and CSVs are produced.
- Explains, but does not replace, legal terms or licences.
Formal conditions for use, reuse, and attribution are defined in the Terms, Privacy, and Cookies pages. This page is descriptive and should be read alongside them.
1. Data sources
Insightnix uses datasets made available by public bodies and institutions such as national and international statistical offices, international organisations, research institutions, and other recognised data providers. Data is obtained from official portals, APIs, or repositories where those providers publish their material for reuse.
Dashboards indicate that the underlying data originates from recognised public sources and has been prepared by Insightnix. Where appropriate, dataset titles, identifiers, or links to original portals may be listed either on the dashboard or within accompanying documentation.
2. Data preparation steps
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2.1 Collection
Relevant datasets are identified and downloaded from official portals or institutional repositories, together with any available documentation such as metadata files, codebooks, or methodological notes.
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2.2 Structuring
Data is organised into consistent tabular structures (for example, long or wide formats) to support aggregation, filtering, chart production, and potential CSV exports. This may include harmonising column names, aligning units, and standardising identifiers.
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2.3 Cleaning
Technical issues such as duplicate records, invalid dates, inconsistent encodings, or obvious formatting errors are addressed. When values are missing or incomplete, they are handled in a way that keeps dashboards readable without implying that new data has been created by Insightnix.
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2.4 Checks
Basic checks are performed to detect discontinuities, unusual jumps, or structural changes that may be due to revisions or changes in source methodology. Where such changes are known and material, they may be noted on the relevant dashboard or documentation.
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2.5 Chart and file output
Prepared datasets are used to generate charts and other visuals, which are exported as static images for dashboards. In some cases, sample CSV files or full cleaned datasets are also generated for download, subject to applicable licences and platform access rules.
3. What a dashboard contains
One or more charts produced from a prepared dataset. Chart types are chosen to show the main structure of the data, for example time series, comparisons across groups, or distributions across categories.
A short title, category, geography, and time coverage are provided so users can quickly understand the scope of each dashboard. Some dashboards also display brief descriptive text about what is shown.
Where available, dashboards may include a dataset preview table, a small sample CSV, and, for registered users, access to a fuller cleaned dataset. Availability depends on the licence and conditions attached to the underlying source data.
Dashboards are produced so that individuals, organisations, and researchers can incorporate the visuals and prepared datasets into their own work. Interpretation, conclusions, and downstream decisions remain with the user, not with Insightnix.
4. Limitations and licensing
Public and institutional datasets may contain gaps, revisions, changes in definition, or changes in coverage over time. Insightnix works with the available material and does not control how the underlying series are produced or maintained.
Data preparation may address technical issues such as obvious duplicates or invalid values. It does not generate new values where none were provided by the source, and it does not overwrite official series with alternative estimates.
Different sources apply different licences and conditions to their data. Insightnix offers previews, samples, or full downloads only where this is compatible with those licences. Users remain responsible for ensuring that any reuse of data, including data obtained via Insightnix, complies with the applicable source terms and any attribution requirements.
Dashboards and datasets are designed to present data clearly. How that data is interpreted or used in analysis, reporting, or decision-making is determined by the user. Insightnix does not provide legal, financial, policy, or scientific advice through the dashboards.
5. Requests and updates
Users who wish to suggest a dataset, clarify a source, or request a new dashboard can use the Request dashboard page. Where a credible source is provided and the scope is clear, requests may be considered for inclusion in future updates.
When source providers issue revisions, new releases, or substantially change their methodology, Insightnix may update affected dashboards or datasets. Where relevant, such updates may be reflected in the display date, notes, or accompanying documentation.