Manage dataset relations

In this guide

Overview
Add dataset relations
Manage existing dataset relations

Overview

Add dataset relations to connect your dataset with other datasets or external resources. Relations help data users discover connected data sources and understand how your dataset fits into larger data collections—enhancing context and discoverability.

For example: A dataset for Air Quality Monitoring 2024 may be part of a larger collection called Environmental Data Series, while also linking to an external standards document. By adding these relations, data users can explore connected resources when the dataset is published.

How dataset relations work:

• Editors add relations to datasets to link to other datasets or external resources
• Multiple relations can be added to show how datasets complement each other
• Relations can connect to datasets within the platform or external URLs outside the platform
• Relation details appear in published dataset metadata for data users

Add dataset relations

To add dataset relations to a dataset, you must be a Metadata Editor or have the permission to edit datasets. Check your permissions.

Before you begin:

• Ensure the dataset is in draft mode, or revert it to draft if needed
• Have information ready about the datasets or external resources you want to link to

1. Ensure the dataset is in draft mode, or revert it to draft if needed.

2. Open the dataset in the Draft tab using one of the following methods:

   • Select the options icon ( ⋮ ) on the dataset and select Edit
   • Select View on the dataset, go to the Relations tab, and select Manage Dataset Relations

   

3. Select Dataset Relations in the left panel.

4. Select the type of relation you want to add:

   

   • Link to other dataset: Connect to another dataset within the platform
   • Link to external resource: Connect to a resource outside the platform

To link to another dataset:

1. Select Link to other dataset on the add relation dropdown.

2. Fill out the relation form:

   • Relation type: Select the relationship between the datasets (learn about relation types)
   • Dataset status: Select the status of the dataset you want to link to
   • Dataset: Search and select the dataset name you want to link to

   In this example, the dataset is part of a larger dataset collection that is published, called Air Quality Assessment 2021.

   

3. Select Add Relation to create the connection. Repeat for each relation.

To link to external resource:

1. Select Link to external resource on the add relation dropdown.

2. Fill out the external resource form:

   • External URL: Enter the complete URL of the external resource
   • External resource role: (Optional) Select the role this resource plays (learn about resource roles)
   • Description: (Optional) Enter a brief description of the external resource and its relevance

   In this example, we link the dataset to a Privacy Policy published at an external URL.

   

3. Select Add Relation to create the connection. Repeat for each relation.

   Multiple relations

   You can add multiple relations to the same dataset. For example, a dataset might reference external standards while also being linked to other related datasets that form a broader collection.

Manage existing dataset relations

After you add relation entries, you can delete them as needed.

1. Open the dataset editor and select Dataset Relations in the left panel.

2. Locate the entry you want to remove in the relations list.

   

3. Select the delete icon (🗑️) in the Actions column to permanently remove the entry.

   Removing relations

   Deleting a relation only removes the connection from your dataset. It does not affect the linked dataset or external resource itself.

Well done

After you add dataset relations, data users can discover connected resources in the published dataset metadata. This enhances context and helps users understand how datasets complement each other.