The ONS Data Explorer has been updated to include additional functionality. This includes suggestions identified by users following the initial launch in autumn 2013.
There are now two different ways to access 2011 Census data through the Data Explorer:
Route 1: Find datasets by topic
This journey enables you to easily identify the datasets you need by using the topics filter. For example, you can find datasets with information on 'general health', 'ethnicity' and 'age'.
Route 2: Find datasets by area
This new journey enables you to specify the geographical area(s) you need information about. For example, you can state a single area, or set of areas you want data for, and then view what datasets are available.
The Data Explorer is a major step forward in the way we provide data for website users. It will help you discover relevant datasets for your needs, and to view or download them. It will also let you refine datasets to extract only the information you require for those areas.
The functionality now available in the Data Explorer includes:
finding datasets by area or topic
viewing datasets on-line
manipulating datasets on-line
charting, mapping and downloading data onto your own systems
datasets can be refined (for example if you only want information for certain geographical areas and/or topic items from the dataset)
outputs such as charts and thematic maps can be saved or easily posted on Twitter or Facebook.
Download a guide to using the Data Explorer (1.51 Mb Pdf)
The scope of 2011 Census data will rapidly increase over time, and we plan to have the majority of 2011 Census datasets available through the new tools soon. Other non-census ONS datasets will also be made available through the Data Explorer.
The Data Explorer functionality remains a beta version. We continue to be interested in any feedback you have, including any problems in using the service, so they can be considered in future releases. Please let us know if you have any comments.
Also introducing the ONS OpenAPI (beta)
The OpenAPI (beta) is targeted at other systems and organisations who want to programatically request and receive ONS data - perhaps to include that ONS data in their own website or a mobile application.
The range of data available through the OpenAPI (beta) is the same as that available through the Data Explorer, so will widen to include more 2011 Census data over time, and will eventually include a wider range of ONS data.
To view much more information about the OpenAPI (beta), including details of how to register to user the service, instructions, and example code, then please visit the dedicated webpages for the OpenAPI (Beta).
There will also be future updates made to the OpenAPI, so if you have any feedback then please let us know.