Guides help you explore the vast data resources in mySidewalk by organizing key topics and datasets to quickly analyze issues or create data stories. Our library is continuously updated, reflecting the most pressing questions from users across various fields.
What's in a Guide?
Each guide focuses on a high-level topic and includes related datasets. For example, the Food Insecurity guide contains:
Each dataset features:
Recommended data indicators (5-12 typically) that you can add to Seek search. Choose specific ones or add them all.
Story blocks, AKA short templates, with best-practice visualizations to quickly start your data story.
Examples of reports and dashboards for inspiration that use the recommended data or relate to the dataset.
For a complete list of guides, check here.
Using Guides Effectively
Guides can support your workflow from start to finish—whether you’re finding data, analyzing it, or sharing insights with stakeholders. Here are some common uses:
Quick Data Access: Answer specific questions, like birth outcomes, using relevant datasets.
Recommendation Support: Find indicators on topics like the digital divide.
Inspiration: See how others use data, such as data on mental health or substance use.
Project Outlines: Use a guide’s structure as an outline for long reports or dashboards, like a CHA dashboard with sections like social determinants and more. (Pictured)
Starting Places: Use story blocks to build your report or dashboard from the ground up—and customize as much as you want.
