Dynamically Clean Shared Data with Filtered Datasets

Ona Staff
September 13, 2017

A filtered dataset is a subset of submitted data that satisfies certain conditions set by the user. Filtered datasets are helpful when you need to share a dataset with other users, yet want to keep certain fields or records private that are repetitive, irrelevant or sensitive.

Suppose you carried out a baseline survey on households in several drought-stricken states, and you would like to have local analysts access data that’s only from their individual state. In this case, you could create multiple filtered datasets (one from each state) that segment data from each state — no external tools needed.

If the data is sensitive, the filtered datasets can go into unique projects that are selectively shared with specific users. If the data is not sensitive and you just wanted to make the data easier to understand, all of the filtered datasets can go into the same project.

Creating Filtered Datasets

1. You can create a filtered dataset from the project page by clicking the Create Filtered Dataset option on the form’s dropdown menu.

2. A step-by-step filtered dataset builder will open up. The first step is selecting the fields you want included in the filtered dataset. You can opt to have all or just some of the fields in the filtered dataset.

3. Once you have selected the fields, you can add a filter for specific variables. Data that does not match your filter will be hidden.

4. After adding filters, proceed to save your filtered dataset. You can save the dataset in your current project to share with the same users as the original dataset. Alternatively if you want to share with other users, save the filtered dataset in another project by selecting it from the dropdown or create a new project by selecting –New Project–, which is the first option in the dropdown.

Read the Filtered Dataset Guide for more info on creating and using filtered datasets.