Data Catalog

The Data Catalog contains a growing collection of curated datasets provided by Foursquare and our partners. These datasets are diverse, separated into categories such as demographics, elevation, and remote sensing.

Sample datasets from the Data Catalog provide users with an excellent way to get started in Studio. When using a dataset from the Data Catalog, be sure to review its data columns while customizing your map. A single dataset can be used to make a wide variety of visualizations.

Datasets from the Data Catalog are displayed on a tile.

An education dataset from the Data Catalog.

An education dataset from the Data Catalog.

When you click a Data Catalog tile (from the Dashboard), you are brought to the Data page, where you can read the dataset's description, follow a link to the dataset's source, as well preview the map and its data in the Overview and Data page.

Use Data from Catalog

The Data Catalog is accessible at any point in your creation process. You can import data from the Data Catalog from both the dashboard and Studio.

Load from the Dashboard

You can start your map using a dataset from the Catalog in the dashboard. To create a new map using data from the Data Catalog, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Catalog tab at the top of the dashboard.

  2. Select a dataset you want to load.

  3. (Optional) Read the description and data source, then preview the map and its data in the Overview and Data tab.

  4. Click Create Map to start a new visualization with the dataset.

Load from Studio

Alternatively, you can load a dataset from the Data Catalog at any time in Studio. To add a dataset from the Data Catalog to an existing map, follow these steps:

  1. Click the + Add Data button on the sidebar.

  2. Navigate to the Data Catalog tab.

  3. Select the dataset you want to use, then click Add Data.

Note: Using a Planet NICFI dataset requires a Planet NICFI Connector. For further details, see Planet Connector page.

Hex Tile Datasets

While the Data Catalog a number of unique datasets, the Data Catalog contains several impressive Hex Tile datasets.

These datasets are generated using the Hex Tiles system, Foursquare's patented analytic tiling system. These datasets are particularly useful for viewing global data at varying levels of granularity.

To use a Hex Tile dataset, select any dataset with a Hex Tile badge on the dataset tile.

Hex Tiles visualizing US Census Data.

Hex Tiles visualizing US Census Data.