# Getting Started
# Searching Datasets
Go to the Open Data Portal homepage to search for datasets. The results returned from your search are by default sorted by Relevancy. If no search term is entered, the search results will list all available datasets in the Portal sorted alphabetically by Title.
# Simple Search
All searches performed by default are considered simple search. You can sort the results using one of the Order By parameters
# Advanced Search
Once in results page view, you can switch to advanced search for more complex searches. Here, you can combine search terms with order-by operations to get more refined results.
# Viewing Datasets
Once you click on a search result, you will see options to download the data or view the source of the API endpoint. Datasets on the Portal are presented in three sections: Dataviews, Column Details and Detailed Metadata.
TIP
To quickly get to a dataset feature, you can use one of the icons.
# Dataviews
By default, all datasets will have at least one “All Data” dataview. This view contains the full dataset without any filters displayed in a table format. Additional custom dataviews may be available in some cases. These are slices of data broken down into logical views using the “All Data” view as its base.
# Column Details
The column details tab provides column names and descriptions for the dataset.
# Detailed Metadata
The detailed metadata tab provides additional information about the dataset such as the Published Date or Date Last Updated.
# Related Datasets
Datasets can have additional datasets listed as “Related Datasets.” These are datasets containing complementary content and are associated to enhance your discovery.
# Collections
A collection contains multiple, connected datasets. Each dataset provides context to the overall collection and represents one unique aspect of the collection description.
# External Datasets
The Portal includes links to Arlington-specific datasets that are not hosted on the Portal. These datasets do not include an API or a download option, nor is metadata provided. The selected datasets have typically been requested by constituents and links to them are provided for greater discovery and access to data about Arlington.
# Request a Dataset
To request County data that is not currently on the Portal, click the Request a Dataset link under the search bar on the homepage or click Feedback in the top-right navigation bar. Complete the Open Data Request form and we will respond to you shortly to let you know whether the data is available and when/whether we can publish it.