How to use the data dictionary?

Owned by Charlotte Reynolds
Last updated: Mar 28, 2023
3 min read

The ADR UK Data Catalogue is public facing data browser that allows researchers to discover suitable administrative datasets and request access to them. Datasets may contain a data dictionary (a.k.a structural metadata) which represents the physical structure of the tables and attributes within the dataset. This tutorial explains how to navigate to data dictionary and explore the data classes and elements within it.

1. To begin, open the ADR UK Data Catalogue:

 

2. Navigate to a dataset by searching for keywords or using the filters on the left hand side.

 

3. Click on the dataset.

 

4. Click on the “Data Dictionary” subheading on the far right side below the dataset title block.

 

5. A side panel will be displayed with the list of data classes (i.e. tables) in the dataset. Click on one to explore the data elements within.

 

6. The selected data class will now be displayed in the main panel. In this panel you can see the data class title, description and a list of data elements contained with the class.

 

7. Click on a data element to learn more.

 

8. A pop-up window will display the data element name and description and data type, if applicable. Click on the Relationship button to view any associated data elements or classes.

 

8. Elements and data classes associated with the data element can be found here. You may click on the name to be directed to the related data class or element.