2018-02-01
User guide to the data portal
Contents
What is the difference between table selection and datasets?
The table selection comprises tables and charts which have been predefined by the SNB and supplemented with additional information (footnotes, breaks in series, etc.). Within the predefined framework, users have the possibility of configuring the tables and charts according to their requirements and downloading the associated data.
The datasets contain excerpts from the SNB’s database. The tables are not specially prepared, but follow the SNB’s data model and, in some instances, contain more detailed breakdowns of items. The time series can be viewed, configured and downloaded in the same format as the predefined tables. However, the tables in the datasets do not contain any additional information. The datasets are primarily aimed at people who are interested in specific topics and require more detailed information.
How can I access the data?
Table selection
The topic overview or a topic itself can be selected via ‘Table selection’ on the page header.
Datasets
Via the ‘Datasets’ menu on the page header, you can access an overview of the topics on which data are provided. By selecting a topic, you arrive at the page containing an overview of the associated datasets.
How do I navigate? What possibilities does the navigation panel offer?
Table selection
The navigation panel contains explanatory notes (), tables () and charts () indicated by corresponding symbols.
1 | Double arrow for expanding () and collapsing () the navigation tree. |
2 | By entering a term in the search field you can find content in the navigation tree that contains this term. |
3 | Arrow symbols ( ) for navigation from one table to another. |
4 | By means of the minimisation symbol, the navigation panel can be shown () or else hidden () to create more space for the display of data. |
Datasets
The navigation panel for datasets contains an info button () that provides detailed information on the navigation of datasets.
How is the table view page structured?
1 | The navigation panel lists all the tables, charts and texts on a specific topic in the form of a navigation tree. |
2 | The title panel contains the table designations and the date of the most recent update, as well as, in certain cases, subtitles with further information. |
3 | The query panel allows data to be filtered by dimension. Each selectable sheet represents a different dimension. |
4 | This is where the date range can be specified and data can be downloaded. |
5 | In the data panel, the data are presented in table form. |
6 | Underneath the tables, you can find supplementary information and the data source. |
How is the chart view page structured?
1 | The navigation panel lists all the tables, charts and texts on a specific topic in the form of a navigation tree. |
2 | The date of the last update is indicated above each chart. |
3 | The charts and data can be downloaded in the download area (charts as a PNG file). |
4 | The title panel contains the chart titles as well as some subtitles with further information. |
5 | If you position the mouse pointer inside the data panel, the tooltip will appear with the date and the individual points for observation. The date range can be specified in more detail by clicking the mouse and marking a period on the x-axis (zoom). |
6 | The ‘Reset data period’ button restores the original view. The ‘MAX’ button indicates the maximum available data period. |
7 | Underneath the chart, you can find the legend, supplementary information and the data source. |
Supplementary information
Where do I find the data unit and type?
Tables (Table selection)
The data unit (e.g. ‘In CHF millions’) and type (e.g. ‘Transactions’) are shown above the data panel.
Charts (Table selection)
The data unit and type are indicated within the chart in the axis labels or in the subtitle.
Datasets
Clicking on the symbol M in the table text reveals meta information on the time series. Here you will find the following information:
The unit that goes with the figures (e.g. ‘CHF’)
The exponent (e.g. ‘3’ means that the figures are stated in thousands (103)).
Quantity type (e.g. ‘Stock quantity’)
The frequency indicates the time interval between figure updates.
How can I track changes or revisions of figures?
Tables (Table selection)
Dragging the cursor over a figure reveals when the corresponding quantity was first published on the data portal and what the figure then was. Any further entries in the list show the date/time of subsequent revisions and the figure entered.
Charts (Table selection)
It is not possible to revise figures within charts.
Datasets
Clicking on the symbol M in the table text reveals meta information on the time series. If the box for ‘Show revisions’ is checked, blue triangle indicators appear in the upper left corner of the fields in the selected time series (cf. red arrow).
Dragging the cursor over a figure then reveals when the corresponding quantity was first published on the data portal and what the figure then was. Any further entries in the list show the date/time of subsequent revisions and the figure entered.
Where do I find the key to a time series?
Tables (Table selection)
Clicking on the symbol M in the table caption reveals meta information on the time series. This is where you can find the time series key.
Charts (Table selection)
No time series keys are displayed in the charts.
Datasets
Clicking on the symbol M in the table text reveals meta information on the time series. This is where you can find the time series key.
Why are certain figures presented in bold?
New figures added to an existing series during the latest update are indicated in bold font, as are figures that were revised in the course of the update.
Only the tables in the table selection contain figures in bold.
Why are certain fields empty or crossed out?
Dragging the cursor over an empty or crossed-out field will provide an explanation.
An empty field means the relevant data are confidential or not available.
A crossed-out field means there are no applicable data.
What does a black bar in the table indicate?
Black bars in a table indicates breaks in series. Clicking on the bars provides explanations on the break in series. The explanations can also be accessed – sorted by date – underneath the data panel.
Breaks in series are only found in the tables in the table selection.
Why are certain positions in the tables and charts numbered?
The numbers refer to footnotes. The footnote texts are revealed by clicking on the number. Footnote texts are also displayed underneath the data panel.
Footnote texts in charts are displayed above the legend. Numbers cannot be clicked on.
Footnotes are only found in the table selection.
Adjusting tables
How can I select or deselect an item?
Items can be selected and deselected by clicking on the associated box. The sheets arrange the items by dimension. To make changes in the table visible, click on ‘Refresh’.
How can I adjust the data period?
The period for which data is displayed can be changed by adjusting the start and end dates. To make changes in the table visible, click on ‘Refresh’. Please note that tables cannot exceed a certain size. Therefore, it may be the case that a displayed period is reduced.
What do the numbers on the sheet tabs signify?
The numbers show how many of the available time series have been selected. The tab ‘result size’ refers to the entire table.
For instance, ‘result size 5/76’ means that 5 out of 76 time series are currently selected. The tab ‘result size 0/76’ means that no time series is available for the specified filter settings.
How can I view the identifier for a position?
If you drag the cursor over the name of a position in the query panel, a separate window appears showing the full title and technical identifier for the item. This is part of the times series key that can be found with the meta information.
