6.8 Importing Data

The Data Import feature allows you to import posts into the platform. It is particularly useful in cases where:-

• You need to upload posts in bulk

• You need to upload posts that people can’t send to you via email/phone but have the data available in CSV format

• (In future) You are transferring data from one platform to another

To import a CSV File,

• On the left hand menu bar, click on Settings

Highlighted: Settings in the Ushahidi sidebar

• Then, click on Data Import.

Settings -> Import button highlighted

• You’ll get redirected to the import page, as shown below.

Import Page - Upload CSV file button highlighted to upload csv and survey field to choose survey

• Select a survey you’d like to match the data you’re uploading to. This field is populated with a list of all existing surveys on your deployment.

• Choose the CSV file you would like to upload. Make sure that

  • You are uploading a file in CSV format. Any other file formats are not accepted

  • Your CSV file size does not exceed 2MB

  • Your CSV file has Column headers( these will be useful when mapping your CSV column to the survey fields)

  • Geographic location information is separated into two columns; one for Latitude, and the other for Longitude.

See below for a sample CSV file

A sample CSV file with 5 columns, Title, Description, Categories, Latitude and Longitude

• Choose your Survey, define a column in your CSV file and proceed with the instructions below.

Highlighted: Defined by a column in your CSV file select field

• On successful file upload, you’ll need to assign your CSV Columns to post fields, as illustrated below.

• Click on Import.

Click on Import Button highlighted to Import the csv.

• If successfully uploaded, You’ll receive notices as follows.

Successful Import Complete Notification