As part of the improvements to the ONS website, we will be changing the way in which our time series data can be accessed.
What is time series functionality?
This specifically relates to the Time Series Data area of the current website where users can view and download summary data from key economic and socio-economic releases, including National Accounts and the Labour Force Survey. Users can also access a comprehensive database of more than 40,000 time series from major National Statistics economic and socio-economic releases. These can be downloaded as complete releases, or users can make their own custom selections to view or download.
Datasets are currently available as follows: complete detailed time series – view on-line and download in navidata and text file format customised detailed time series – view on-line and download in csv and navidata format summary datasets – view on-line and download in csv and navidata format
How will it change?
On the new website access to detailed time series data will be through the new data explorer tool. Users will also be able to use the improved search facility to find datasets that contain specific time series they are interested in (including searching by CDID). Complete detailed time series will continue to be made available on-line and in both navidata and text file formats as currently, and additionally in csv and xls formats. Customised detailed timeseries will also continue to be made available on-line and in csv format. They will also be made available in csv and xls format, but Navidata format of customised time series selections will no longer be supported. The summary time series tables as they exist at the moment will be removed. Any time series that is currently within a summary table, but not contained within the detailed time series tables, will be added to an appropriate detailed time series dataset. We would like users to be aware that longer term it is not our intention to continue providing the navidata application or datasets in navidata formats. Our expectation is that in time, users will transition to using the new website’s data explorer tool.
Do I need to do anything?
The majority of users will be able to access the same information in a similar way within the new website. Where users have system dependencies on the current Time Series pages, for example if they ‘screenscrape’ information, any change to the designs of those pages will require making a change to their system. For more specific information about these changes or if you have any comments and general feedback then please contact us. Longer term you may be interested in our plans for an API service, that will enable other organisations to programmatically re-use ONS data in their own systems.
