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Dataset Overview

Datasets are central to how OpenAleph organizes and structures information. Each dataset represents a collection of documents or structured data that has been uploaded or ingested into the system.

What is a Dataset?

A dataset in OpenAleph typically contains:

  • Unstructured data: PDF files, spreadsheets, Word documents, emails, etc.
  • Structured data: People, companies, addresses, and other entity types extracted from those documents or ingested separately.
  • Metadata: Information about the source, import date, and context of the dataset.

It's common for datasets to contain both structured and unstructed data.

Viewing a Dataset

Screenshot of the OpenAleph dataset overview

To view a dataset:

  1. Navigate to the Datasets tab from the top menu.
  2. Select a dataset from the list or use the search bar to find one.
  3. Click the dataset name to open its detail view.

In the dataset view, you’ll get a good overview of its contents: number and type of documents, a timeline, and the countries mentioned in the data. If available, OpenAleph will also extract additional information such as IBANs, email addresses, phone numbers, and more.

Datasets provide the foundation for investigation and discovery in OpenAleph. In the next section, you'll learn how to navigate within a specific dataset and run scoped searches.