Only data you can use, polygon filters, descriptions and locations for every dataset

OrionGIS web 1.7.0Released 16 October 2026

The catalogue now lists only data you can actually load or use; filter by points, lines or polygons; discovered datasets get thumbnails drawn from their own data or map service; datasets without a description or location get one before they are listed; uploads are placed and described before they publish.

Read the announcement: A catalogue of data you can actually use

Changes since 1.6.0.

#New

  • Filter by geometry. Data Explorer's type chips are now Points, Lines, Polygons, Raster and Table, so you can go straight to boundaries, districts, flood extents and other areas.
  • Descriptions where publishers gave none. A discovered dataset with no description gets a short, factual one written by OrionAI from its title, columns and sample rows, marked Written by OrionAI. The publisher's own replaces it as soon as one appears.
  • Locations where publishers gave none. A dataset with no coordinates is placed from its address and place-name columns, or from the place named in its title or description, using OpenStreetMap. The details mark it Approximate area.
  • Uploads are prepared before they publish. Address or place columns in your CSV, Excel or spreadsheet upload are geocoded, and a description is suggested when you leave it empty. CSV and XLSX uploads are accepted.
  • OCHA Common Operational Datasets. Administrative boundaries for crisis-affected countries from OCHA, through the Humanitarian Data Exchange.

#Improved

  • Only data you can use. The catalogue lists datasets whose licence lets you load, copy or use them. Data a publisher offers for viewing only is no longer listed.
  • Thumbnails for discovered datasets. Thumbnails are drawn from the dataset's own features, or from its WMS or ArcGIS map or image service, instead of an outline.
  • Datasets without a description or an area are not listed until one is found or added.

#Fixed

  • data.gov and the USGS National Map are indexed again after changes to their catalogues.
  • Thumbnails for ArcGIS layers whose link points at the service rather than a layer.
  • Thumbnails and other background work no longer wait behind long portal harvests.