Setting a default geography when you make a new report is a helpful starting point. Orienting your data, visualizations and maps around a geography that is familiar to you will set you on the easiest path to great data storytelling.
Here are a couple of notes to remember as you get started!
You can always adjust the geographies of individual maps or charts as needed.
Default geographies can be both mySidewalk geographies and custom geographies.
You can have more than one default geography in your dashboard.
When you start a new report (from a template or a blank), you will be asked to choose a geography. This will get you started from the get-go.
If you decide later that you want to change that default (or add some more!) use the following steps:
Check out the defaults panel to the right of the page
Click Add Geography
Use the search option to find the geography you wish to add and click on it (choose a couple!).
You'll see it populate under Selected Geographies.
Use the pencil icon to edit, the trashcan icon to delete, and the double bar icon to rearrange the order in the menu.
Pro-Tip: Usually we recommend having your most specific geography at the top of your list. If you are displaying three different geographies for your data, the smallest area should be first to ensure it is first in a data visualization.
Trouble-shooting Tips: Availability
If you start to see "no data" or "unavailable" messages in data selection or in your components, try selecting a different geography. Data is reported as connected to a specific geography and we use a feature that we call "availability" to let you know which geos will give you data results. Some data is only available for a specific level of geography (think: state, county or zip code) so if something is unavailable for the metropolitan area that is set as your default geography, try a county or some zip codes instead!