Data upload resources

The worksheets in the Upload Template (available in Excel and Google Sheets) can be used to prepare your data in the correct format for upload. Our Data Specialists are available to help walk you through this process (contact us: team@DataStream.org).

Please ensure you are using the most up-to-date version of the Upload Template.

The templates below were last updated: July 15, 2024.

Note for Mac users: Please note that some features of the Excel template may not function if you are using Excel on your desktop. If this is the case, we recommend using Excel Online or the Google Sheets template instead.

Note: If you have a large volume of data to convert into DataStream’s data format, it may be more practical to use tools like R or Python to speed up the process. We recommend setting up a call with a Data Specialist on our team who can provide assistance and help determine the best approach.

We recommend preparing your dataset-level metadata (information about your dataset) in advance of uploading, so you have the details on hand when you fill in the online form. You can use either the Dataset Metadata Form (below) or the Dataset Metadata tab of the Upload Template to prepare this information.

A printable version of our Upload data guidance.

• Best practices for reporting nutrient data
• Best practices for reporting isotope data
• Best practices for reporting metal-series data
• Best practices for reporting analytical methods

Survey123 is an ArcGIS tool that is used to create forms for data entry. DataStream has created two example Survey123 forms that facilitate data export in a format aligned with DataStream's Data structure and format and Upload Template.