Importing Thematics

The Import Thematics feature allows you to create custom thematic maps using your own geographic data. Import data associated with supported geographies to visualize values across ZIP Codes, Block Groups, or Counties in SCOUT. For CSV-based imports, your file can include a geographic identifier, a corresponding value, and an optional label. Depending on your visualization needs, shapefile data can also be used to create area-based ZIP Code heat maps or choropleths.

Watch the following video for an overview of importing thematic data:

Before importing your data, make sure the file follows SCOUT's required structure. Using the sample files and templates available from the upload interface is recommended to help ensure your geographic identifiers and data are formatted correctly.

For CSV imports, SCOUT supports the following U.S. geographies:

Note: ZIP Codes associated with P.O. Boxes are not geographic areas and may not match the geographic data used by SCOUT.

For a standard thematic import, save your data as a CSV (Comma Delimited) file. The file should contain two required columns and, optionally, a third column for labels.

The first column must contain the geographic identifier SCOUT will use to match each record to a geography.

Make sure the identifiers correspond with the geography type you're importing, such as County Codes, Block Groups, or ZIP Codes.

The second column must contain the value associated with each geography. This value determines the data represented by the thematic.

Do not include special characters such as percent signs (%), dollar signs ($), number signs (#), or commas in the values.

The third column is optional and can contain a label associated with each geography. When included and configured during the import, the label can be displayed when you select the geography in SCOUT.

Additional columns are not required for the import and will be ignored.

Tip: Download one of the sample files available from the SCOUT upload interface if you're unsure how to structure your CSV. Using SCOUT's provided templates can help prevent formatting and geography-matching issues.

When creating an area-based ZIP Code heat map or choropleth using shapefile data, make sure the dataset contains all required shapefile components:

Compress these files together into a single ZIP file before uploading them to SCOUT.

Once your file is prepared, select the Import Data icon in the lower-left area of the map.

The upload window appears in the center of the screen. Drag and drop your prepared file into the window, or select the file from your computer.

The upload interface also provides access to sample files and the geography information SCOUT uses to match imported records.

SCOUT compares the geographic identifiers in your file with its available geography data. Records that do not match a supported geography will not be included in the resulting thematic.

Unmatched records may occur when your file contains items such as P.O. Box ZIP Codes, total or summary rows, or geographic identifiers that do not correspond with SCOUT's geography data.

After uploading your file, complete the required information in the import window. Once the necessary fields are configured, Process File becomes available.

Configure the following settings:

Name determines the name of the thematic layer as it will appear in SCOUT.

Geography Type identifies the type of geography represented by your imported file.

Default Mode determines how the imported geographies are displayed. Select Thematic when your file contains values you want to visualize. Select Single Color when you want the imported geographies to appear using the same color.

Key identifies the column containing your geographic identifiers.

Value identifies the column containing the value associated with each geography.

Label is optional and identifies the column containing the labels you want associated with the geographies.

Tip: If you want to use Single Color mode, you can assign a value of 1 to each geography in the value column of your source file.

Once the configuration is complete, select Process File.

After processing, SCOUT displays a confirmation message when the file has been successfully imported.

If some geographic identifiers cannot be matched, SCOUT displays the affected records for review. Check these records for incorrect or unsupported identifiers. If the unmatched records are expected, you can choose to proceed with the remaining matched geographies.

If you encounter unexpected errors, review the geographic identifiers and values in your source file and confirm that they follow the required format.

Successfully imported thematic layers are available under Areas of Interest > Thematics and are listed alphabetically.

Select the applicable thematic to display the imported data on the map.

If another member of your organization created the thematic, turn Collaborate on to view applicable thematic layers shared by other users.

As you create more thematic layers, you can organize them into groups to make them easier to find and manage.

Use the Group option to view and organize your thematics by group. This can be particularly useful when your organization maintains thematic layers for multiple projects, markets, or analyses.

If some records from your source file do not appear in the resulting thematic, first review the geographic identifiers reported as unmatched during the import.

Confirm that each identifier corresponds with the selected Geography Type and matches the format expected by SCOUT. Also remove summary rows, totals, or other records that do not represent individual geographies.

For ZIP Code data, keep in mind that P.O. Box ZIP Codes do not represent geographic shapes and may not be available for geographic matching.

Follow-up Reading:
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Tags: Data Bar, Data, Data Import, Importing Data, Data Visualization, Importing Thematics, Thematics, Heatmaps, Importing, Import