Features

Database Server

Generic, flexible data model for storing statistical and indicator-based data at multiple geographic levels in Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle.

InstantAtlas Data Server Administration screenshot  

Administration Module

  • Categorise data into hierachies of Themes
  • Load datasets and metadata into a pre-live staging area for QA then promoting these to ‘live area’
  • Support for wide range of different indicator types
  • Support for dynamic aggregation of data to multiple higher geographies
  • Edit data and metadata, the latter at multiple levels (Dataset, Indicator, Data View)
  • Load and manage of geographic datasets
  • Create tailored information products, for example Data Views, for different audience types
  • Archive resources that are no longer current
  • Audit tools to track data management processes
  • Administration reporting on dataset refresh cycles
InstantAtlas Dataviews Module

Data Views Module

Data Views are defined by Administrators as logical collections of Indicators that are delivered as a collection to address the needs and tasks of specific user groups. They are organised into Themes and can be delivered in multiple forms - as tables or interactive atlases.

The Data Views interface includes:

  • Index page listing multiple types of Data Views with filtering by Theme
  • Web accessible tables with flexible display options, sorting and export to CSV and XML options
  • InstantAtlas interactive reports and dashboards for exploring and disseminating data interactively - using Flash or Scaleable Vector Graphics (SVG)
  • Metadata pages for different types of data resource

Reports Module

Area Profiles are a widely used and highly effective way of delivering a report containing a mix of appropriate information relating to a specific area or number of areas.

The Reports module adds functionality to the Administration Console to design and build area profile reports and to the end-user interface to create them easily. The key functionality includes:

  • Report builder tool which allows users to create tables, intelligent text, charts and images (maps, photographs etc).
  • Quick Reports allows users to enter an area name and generate a profile with one click.
  • Reports allows users to select a specific profile report for a defined area - this offers more flexibility than Quick Reports.
  • Profile reports support multiple sections, drill-down from high level summary reports to detailed reports, and mix intelligent text, tables, charts and images.

Advanced Reports Module

Advanced Reports offer greater flexibility for those wishing to create more custom reports. Functionality builds on the Reports Module to support:

  • Map-based selection of specific areas using image map or interactive server-generated map (latter dependent on Map Server Connector Module)
  • Reports comprising aggregations of multiple areas
  • User-defined comparators
  • Users can drill down geographically into consituent areas for aggregated area reports
InstantAtlas Dataviews Module

Advanced Data Views Module

This offers users the capability to create their own custom Data Views. Users are led through a series of steps to create a custom table by selecting areas of interest and indicators of interest. Once they have generated a custom table visualisation and analysis options include:

  • Sort values by Indicator
  • Subset the current selected set of areas
  • Create a thematic map of a specific Indicator (dependent on having the Map Server Connector Module)
  • Chart one or more Indicators
  • Create an interactive atlas for all Indicators
  • Download all Indicators to CSV or XML

Map Server Connector Module

The Map Server Connector Module is dependent on the availability of or capacity to purchase a compatible web mapping server solution (ESRI ArcIMS or MapInfo MapXtreme). It adds functionality in two key areas:

  • Map-based area selection particularly for large numbers of small areas allowing users to interactively pick the specific areas of interest - this is used in Advanced Reports and Advanced Data Views
  • Thematic mapping of tabulated results in Advanced Data Views including the ability to add new 'contextual map layers’ (eg. schools, hospitals), change map classification and change colour palette.

Explorer Module

Explorer Module offers a distinct interface for:

  • Key word or free text search
  • Locating data and documents available (includes all end user data products like Profile Reports and Data Views)
  • List all data sets available and filter by range of options
  • Downloading data and documents 'clearinghouse' style
  • Administrators are able to upload documents or URL links with associated metadata.

Metadata is based on international Dublin Core standards. Metadata fields can be fully customised by customers based on the standard they wish to adhere to.

User Management Module

This Module is for organisations that require a login to one or more of the Channels. This is usually to hide sensitive datasets or to improve the personalisation of content to specific user groups.

  • Four user groups are provided by default - Administrators can modify or extend these with appropriate permissions as necessary.
  • Administration Console allows Administrators to create new user accounts with appropriate privileges and generate audit reports for both administrator activity and end user activity
  • New users can register their account details
  • Users can login, change their own passwords, request a password reminder
  • Login can be applied to one or more different Modules

User Forum Module

A separate discussion forum is available with standard functionality for creating Discussion Topics, managing discussion threads etc.

Try the Data Server demonstration.