Neighbourhood Statistics: User Guide
Main Content
Topics
To view or download a complete dataset from our selection of ready-made tables click the 'view or download data by topic' link on the homepage
.. and a topic selection screen will appear.
There are two methods to find data - use the Search facility or 'drill-down' into the relevant topic headings in the explorer view.
Search for a dataset
The first option is to enter a search term into the box provided to locate the most relevant dataset(s) to your requirement..
.. and then press the 'Return' key or click the 'Go' button.
Results are then returned for the datasets found containing the term searched on. These are divided into three types. 'Dataset name matches' show the datasets where the search term is included within the dataset title.
'Topic name matches' show the datasets where the search term is included within the column headings of the dataset. 'Dataset information matches' show the datasets where the search term is included within the information (metadata) that accompanies the dataset.
Finding datasets using the explorer view
The second option of locating the dataset required is to browse the listing of datasets available. Datasets are sorted into 'domains' covering different topic areas (such as 'Crime and Safety', 'Health and Care' and so on). Datasets will show under multiple domains if relevant to more than one. There is also a separate domain for '2001 Census' data. All 2001 Census output available in Neighbourhood Statistics is available here, as well as under other relevant domains according to the dataset.
To view the datasets available click on the 
and 
signs to expand and collapse the view. Datasets are also sorted into 'Key Regeneration Related Statistics' and 'Other Statistics'.
After deciding which instance to look at (the most recent data will appear at the top of the list)..
..information can be obtained on the dataset by clicking the 
button next to the dataset title.
You can then select to either view the dataset on-line, or to download the dataset into your own system.
Downloading a dataset
To download a dataset onto your own system, select the download option for the dataset required..
..and then click the 'Next' button in the bottom right of the screen.
Information on the dataset you have requested to download is shown on the left-hand side of the screen, and the options of which geography hierarchies area available are shown on the right hand side of the screen.
Note: the default is the NeSS Geography Hierarchy, however it may that the lowest geographical detail is available in one of the alternative hierarchies.
Select the hierarchy for which you wish to download the dataset and click the 'Next' button.
There is then the option to choose the format of the download file. Generally downloads are available in Excel (xls) and comma separated value (csv) formats.
All files are zipped (compressed) to make them quicker and easier to download, and include information (metadata) about the dataset within them in Acrobat .pdf format. The software to enable the opening of zipped files and read .pdf files are also available on this page.
A message will then appear confirming your wish to download the file, and asking where you want to save the file on your computer, or just open the file from its current location. By opening the file from its current location, it means the file will not be saved onto your computer unless you do so later in the process.
Note: If a dataset is larger than 2Mb, you will be given the option to request for it be sent in the post on CD ROM. This is to assist users with slow internet connections.
Viewing the dataset on-line
Having selected to 'view' the dataset..
..and clicked the 'Next' button at the bottom right of the screen..
..information on the dataset you have requested to view is shown on the left-hand side of the screen, and the options of which geography hierarchies area available are shown on the right hand side of the screen.
Note: the default is the NeSS Geography Hierarchy, however it may that the lowest geographical detail is available in one of the alternative hierarchies.
Select the chosen geography hierarchy and click the 'Next' button.
The dataset will then appear on the screen.
The dataset is presented in tabular format with variables in columns across the top, and areas down the side of the table. Together with the Variable name, the 'statistical unit' (what it is counting.. people, households etc.).. and the 'measurement unit' (how it is counting it.. a count, rate, percentage etc.) are shown. The time period that the data relates to is also shown.
The areas shown are the highest geographical areas available, and are used for navigation to lower geographical areas.
Finding data for your chosen area
To 'drill-down' to a chosen lower geographical area click on the higher geographical area which contains the chosen area. For example, to get data for 'Middlesborough' click on 'North East'..
..and the screen will refresh to show the same table, for the geographical areas that make up that higher area.
This same process should be followed through the levels of the geography hierarchy.
Some layers of the hierarchy may not contain data (and will show as double dots '..' to show 'not available'), but there may be data for lower levels of the hierarchy.
Seeing all variables within the dataset
Some datasets contain more variables than are automatically shown on the page.
There are two ways that any extra columns can be viewed.
The first way is to change the number of columns that are shown on the page, by changing the number in the display box, and clicking 'Apply'.
The second way is to click the 'Next' link (not the 'Next' button at the bottom of the screen), to view the next set of columns..
.. and the information on the columns being shown will update.
A 'Prev' (previous) link will also then appear, which allows movements across the sets of columns being shown.
Information about the data
Information about the data are available in a number of places.
Summary information about the dataset
Wherever the dataset title is shown, it will be accompanied by an information button which can be clicked on to view summary information about that dataset.
Detailed information about the dataset
After viewing the summary information about the dataset, there is the option to view more detailed information by clicking on the 'View more' option at the bottom of the summary information window.
The detailed information about the dataset is held in .pdf format. This will enable easy printing of the information for easy referral. The detailed information will include information relating to concepts and definitions used in the dataset, information relating to data quality, and contact details for further information.
Information for individual variables within the dataset
Each column heading within a dataset view will also have an associated information button. Clicking on the information button will produce information relating to that particular variable. This will include the 'statistical unit' which explains 'what' is being measured (people, households etc.) and 'measurement unit' which explains 'how' it is being measured (count, percentage, rate etc.)
Information for individual areas within the dataset
Each area within the dataset also has an associated information button. Clicking on that will provide information relating to that area.
From this information a map of the area can also be viewed by clicking 'View map' at the bottom right of the screen.
Information about individual 'cells' within the dataset
Where applicable, there will also be information associated with specific cells within the table.
