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 can be toggled on in the Data Portal.
It will then be available for:
Search
Ad Hoc Insights
Map layers
✅ Tip: Always include as much detail as possible when entering dataset metadata. This ensures your team understands the dataset’s scope, purpose, and source.