SQL is a commonly used language for working with databases. It is particularly useful for working with larger datasets that can bog down Excel and for joining separate datasets for analysis. Several open-source versions are used in newsrooms, including Postgresql and DB Browser for SQLite. Here are some tips on how to get started. This […]
Spreadsheets often are the first data tool journalists learn to use. They come in handy for cleaning and analyzing data in structured formats such as .csv files. Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are the most commonly used spreadsheets. Below are some resources to help you navigate Excel and improve your spreadsheet skills. Data Journalism Training: […]
Got dirty data or pesky PDFs? These programs can help you get your data into a format you can use. OpenRefine is a free tool for exploring, cleaning, and matching data. It is particularly useful for dealing with messy data. It is available in English, Chinese, Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese (Brazil), German, Japanese, Italian, Hungarian, […]
Once you have your data, check out these free online tipsheets and tutorials for advice on how to inspect and clean it before you start analyzing. This story is a great example of what to do when there are gaps in terms of the data available from official bodies (2021). Data Biographies: How to Get […]
Government bodies often have mechanisms that allow journalists and members of the public to request data and documents. Below are some resources to help you understand the public records laws where you live and draft successful records requests. The National Freedom of Information Coalition is a US nonprofit organization that has a guide to international […]
These conferences can provide opportunities to network, learn new techniques, and discuss story ideas with fellow data journalists. The Centre for Investigative Journalism Summer Conference includes sessions on data journalism from leading practitioners. Data Harvest is held in conjunction with the European Investigative Journalism Conference. The next one is scheduled for 19-22 May 2022 in […]
If you’re new to data journalism, these free online materials can help you get your bearings. Read this 2022 big list of data journalism tools and resources by GIJN’s Alastair Otter. What data journalists should know about building custom AI models, by Jeremy Merrill and the Columbia Journalism Review. Collaborative Data Journalism Guide This 2019 […]
GIJN’s Data Journalism Resource Center is now reorganized, revised, and expanded. To help guide users, there are now 15 sections, beginning with the best books and tip sheets, working through descriptions of the main tools, and ending with mapping and visualization tools.
The Global Investigative Journalism Network and the Native American Journalists Association have created a resource to help Indigenous investigative journalists. This unique guide is designed to encourage Indigenous journalists worldwide and to empower them with tips, tools, and sources for information.
