BIS WebStats overview

In a nutshell, BIS WebStats (stats.bis.org) offers users tools to:

• customise queries according to any dataset dimensions
• download data in CSV or SDMX-ML format
• bookmark queries in a browser
• create a URL of favourite queries, for use in custom applications
• view relevant metadata at a click
• quickly view or download pre-packaged sets of selected data
• display individual dimensions on the X or Y axis
• avoid empty result sets or columns with the help of dynamic filtering

Basic layout
The application is split into three windows, which appear beneath the standard BIS website navigation. These windows are the Catalogue, Query Window and Results Window.

The size of these windows can be controlled by clicking on and dragging the borders between them, or by using the minimise/maximise buttons in the Results and Query Windows, or the Catalogue docking button.

Each window has its own help page, which describes in more detail how to use the features available in the window. These help pages can be accessed by clicking on the relevant window's help icon - indicated by a question mark in the window's top-right hand corner.

Getting Started - the quick way
If you are in a hurry, or are not sure how to start creating your own customised query, each dataset will have one or more "Quick View" pre-packaged queries, accessible via the Catalogue. Clicking on a "Quick View" query immediately loads the corresponding data in the Results Window. In addition, the Query Window is pre-filled with the selected values that generate the data. The selections in the Query Window can immediately be modified to produce desired changes in the results. For example, a Quick View of the last 24 months of effective exchange rates data.

Right-clicking on a "Quick View" pre-packaged query also provides the option of immediately downloading the data.

Getting Started - creating your own query

• Find the dataset you are interested in and click "Create custom query"
• Now you can begin selecting codes (checkboxes) from the various dimensions in the Query Window. Initially, no codes are selected. This means that there are no filters applied on the dimensions, which in turn means that immediately running the query will return all data for the selected period.
• The Query Window provides hints on how to build a valid query, using "dynamic filtering". When a code (checkbox) is selected or de-selected, the application will calculate which codes would have no data if the query were run at that time. These codes appear greyed out in the Query Window. They can be selected, but there will be no data for them in the results. An example of this follows.

• The Dimensions Overview popup can be used to move quickly between dimensions when creating your query.
• Once all of the desired codes have been selected, the "Run Query" button can be clicked. The results of the query will appear in the Results Window.
• Try creating a custom query now.

Text search
The names and related metadata of dimensions and codes can be searched using keywords. Links to relevant datasets and to the relevant dimensions are provided in the search results.

Advanced options - Downloads, Bookmarking, Query URLs, Axis selection
In addition to viewing results in the Results Window, there are other options available to users to view and interact with data. More detailed information on these options can be found in the Query Window's help page.

• Download: Data can be downloaded in CSV (comma-separated values) or SDMX-ML format.
• Bookmark: There is no need to re-create queries each time you access the application. Frequently-run queries can be stored in your browser as a "favourite" or "bookmark" just like any other web page. Downloads can also be bookmarked.
• Query URLs: Like a bookmark, this option provides a URL that will return a download or results set on demand. In this case however, the URL can be copied and pasted into any application. For example, developers will be able to use these URLs to import automatically customised BIS data. Data could also be used in mashups and other innovative ways - wherever URLs can be used.
• Axis selection: Individual dimensions can be placed on either the X or Y dimension for viewing in the browser or for CSV download.

Need more help?
More detailed help is available in the Help page (click on the ? icon) in each window of the application.

Contact us
For more information on BIS statistical data or this application, please email webmaster@bis.org.

Feedback is also welcome, including suggestions for additional application features, or problems experienced when using the application.