A dataset contains related data values that are collected or measured as part of a cohort study, for example, laboratory tests or information collected about a participant by a physician on a paper form.

A dataset's fields establish the shape and content of its data records, that are eventually populated by rows of data records. For example, a dataset that captures basic vital signs, would typically include fields such as height, weight, respiration rate, blood pressure, etc. Before you can upload data to a dataset, you must define the dataset's fields.

LabKey uses fields to ensure the upload of consistent data records. Uploaded data records must include values of the appropriate types for required property fields. They may also include values of appropriate types for optional properties.

The following topics show you how to set up datasets, define their fields, and populate them with data.

Topics

• Create a Dataset by Defining Fields - Define a dataset and it's fields manually before importing data.
• Create a Dataset from a File - Define and populate a dataset from a file, such as an Excel or text file.
• Tutorial: Inferring Datasets from Excel and TSV Files - Infer datasets from Excel and TSV files using the study reload mechanism.
• Import Data to a Dataset - Import data to an existing dataset.
• Import Study Data From REDCap Projects - Import data from an existing REDCap project.

Related Topics

• Field Properties Reference - Edit properties of individual fields
• Edit Dataset Properties - Edit properties of datasets
• Dataset System Fields - In addition to any custom fields included, a dataset definition will automatically include certain pre-defined fields.
• Date & Number Display Formats - Set the default formats for displaying dates and numbers.
• Dataset Properties