In the spotlight - new version of Nesstar

ESDS is pleased to announce an upgrade to version 3.5 of Nesstar with new features and improved layout of the catalogue.

Nesstar allows users to search for, locate, browse, analyse, visualise and download a wide variety of survey data. There is no need for specialised software - data can be viewed using a standard web browser.

The new features in Nesstar 3.5 include:

• computation and recoding of variables
• calculations on categories within tables
• correlation analyses
• mapping of variables
• addition of descriptive information to bookmarks

The branding and layout have also been improved with the catalogue separated into two areas: datasets for research, and datasets for teaching. The research datasets area provides access to survey datasets in their entirety whilst the teaching area offers samplers and subsets of data that are particularly suitable for teaching and learning.

Descriptive information and variable description frequencies are freely available to all users to browse and do not require registration. Registered, non-commercial users can create tabulations, analyses, graphical charts and subsets which can be downloaded as well as the data. Some datasets include a 'Mapping variables' folder and, once added to a tabulation, these variables can be represented on a map of the UK.

Users can access Nesstar 3.5 directly, or by using the Explore Online icon when studies are accessed via the Data Catalogue and Major Studies web pages.

Article dated: 20 June 2007