Paces allows you to upload custom datasets that are unique to your organization. This is useful for incorporating proprietary information you've gathered, data purchased from consultants, or public datasets not already available in Paces.
When to Upload a Custom Dataset
You may want to upload a dataset if:
The information is proprietary to your organization (scraped data, consultant reports, in-house research).
The data is publicly available but not yet included in Paces.
Step 1: Open the Data Portal
Navigate to the Data Portal (see our related article on accessing the Data Portal).
In the top-right corner, click the green box labeled "New Dataset."
Step 2: Enter Dataset Details
A pop-up will appear prompting you to enter information about your dataset:
Dataset Name (required)
Description (optional) – provide a brief explanation.
Type (optional) – examples include grid, environmental, etc.
Use Cases (optional) – e.g., solar, wind, battery.
States (recommended) – select whether the dataset applies to:
Nationwide
Multiple states/regions
A single state
Source Code (optional) – if data came from a public source.
Upload Date (optional) – specify when the dataset was gathered.
Step 3: Upload Your File
Supported file types include:
CSV
KML / KMZ
GeoJSON
Shapefiles
Select and upload your file.
Once ready, click Create New Dataset at the bottom of the form.
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
Do not navigate away from the page until you see a confirmation pop-up stating that Paces has received your dataset.
Uploading may take several minutes.
Step 5: Receive Notification
Once the upload is complete, the requestor will receive an email from Paces confirming the dataset is ready.
By default, the dataset will be toggled off.
Step 6: Use Your Dataset
After upload, the dataset will be automatically toggled on in the Data Portal.
It will then be available for:
Search
Ad Hoc Insights
Map layers
Step 7: Customize Your Dataset
Dataset uploads will be given a random single color assignment for all geometries by default.
If desired, you can assign a custom color to the entire dataset, or to certain elements of the dataset with the following steps:
Navigate to the map > Map Layers > Custom layers and locate the dataset you wish to update (alternatively, search for the dataset name using the search box in the Map Layers pop-out).
Next to the dataset name, there will be two icons:
Filter icon (looks like a tornado, or a funnel)
Customize icon (three vertical dots)
Select the vertical dots to open the customization window.
Configure colors and opacity through this window, then press "Save" to update.
In the customization window, you can assign colors using the "Color strategy" drop-down:
"Basic color": Assigns a single color to all geometries. Select the color or type in the hex code to adjust.
"Exact match": Assigns color(s) based on fields within the dataset.
Select the relevant field from the "Field to style" drop-down.
Click "+ Add mapping" to assign unique colors to unique attribute values within that field.
"Interpolate": Similar to "Exact Match," but assigns colors in a gradient based on increasing numerical values.
Select the relevant field from the "Field to style" drop-down.
Click "+ Add mapping" to assign unique colors to unique attribute values within that field.
You can also adjust the opacity of a tileset's main color and outline color (polygon fill, circle fill, line, polygon outlines, circle outlines) directly from this customization window.
"Exact Match" Example:
"Interpolate" Example:
✅ Tip: Always include as much detail as possible when entering dataset metadata. This ensures your team understands the dataset's scope, purpose, and source.