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,

First, you need to have prepared your CSV file. 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.

NOTE:

• CSV files are text-based and cannot store multimedia content like images or videos.

• Special formatting, including font styles, colors, bold, italics, or other spreadsheet formatting options, will not be preserved in CSV files.

• Items like charts, graphs, or embedded objects (e.g., Excel objects) cannot be included in a CSV file.

• Special characters like commas, quotes, and new lines within fields must be properly escaped or enclosed in quotes. Improper formatting could break the CSV structure.

See below for a sample CSV file

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

The setup in this guide is demonstrated in the video below as well. You can watch and follow the guide at the same time!

Video setup guide

Steps to importing 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.

• Select 'Marked as...' to choose the status of your imported post

  • Published: A published post is publicly visible on the platform. It has been reviewed (if necessary) and approved, making it accessible to all users who visit the platform.

  • Under Review: A post that is under review is still being evaluated. It hasn’t been approved or made visible to the public yet. Only administrators or members of your team can view it.

  • Archived: A post in the archive is no longer visible on the active platform but is kept for record-keeping purposes. It’s not deleted, but it is not part of the current, live data. Archived posts can be retrieved or reviewed by administrators if necessary but are typically hidden from the general public.

• 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