--- title: "How the dataset view works in MangoMap" description: "The dataset view lets you preview a dataset, browse its records, download vector data, see which maps use it, and delete it when no map does." seo: title: "How the dataset view works" sidebar: label: "How the dataset view works" --- The dataset view lets you inspect a dataset without changing it. Open it from the Data portal. The page uses your portal header and footer. To set the header and footer, see [How to configure the portal](/docs/customisation/configure-the-portal). ## Preview or inspect records The page opens on the `Map` tab, which fits the dataset to an interactive preview. Switch to `Data Table` to browse and sort vector records. The table shows 20, 50, or 100 rows per page and is read-only. Dataset view of Country Centroids on the Map tab: Download and Delete Dataset at the top, the information card with the description, Type POINT, Records 177, Data sync Inactive, Created, Updated, File size 32.0 KB, and Used in maps (12) with three maps and +9 more maps, beside the point preview with the Map and Data Table tabs Raster and WMS datasets show only the map preview because they do not have tabular feature records. Dataset view of the Interlaken Land Cover raster dataset: only the Map tab, no Download button, and an information card with Type RASTER, Records 0, Created, Updated, File size, and Used in maps (1) with Interlaken Raster Lab, but no Data sync row Use the expand control beside the tabs to make the preview or table fill the page. This hides the information card until you close the expanded view. ## Understand the information card The information card shows the dataset description when one exists, followed by its type, record count, sync state, and created and updated dates. `Data sync` shows `Active` or `Inactive`. A dataset with active Dropbox sync also shows a `Sync active` badge under its name. Raster and WMS datasets do not show a sync state. Dataset view of US State Capitals (Dropbox) with the Sync active badge under the name, and the information card with Type POINT, Records 50, Data sync Active, Created, Updated, and File size 16.0 KB, beside the point preview When maps use the dataset, the card lists them under `Used in maps`. It shows the first three maps and the number of other maps. Open a listed map in a new tab to inspect where the data is used. Only signed-in users who can view the dataset see this list. ## Download vector data For vector datasets, open `Download` and choose one of these output formats: - Shapefile - CSV - MapInfo TAB The Download menu open on the Country Centroids dataset view, with Shapefile, CSV, and MapInfo TAB MangoMap downloads the file to your computer. Raster and WMS datasets do not show the download action. Anyone who can open a vector dataset can download all of its data. ## Dataset view and dataset settings The dataset view is for inspection, downloads, usage checks, and deletion. Use [Dataset settings](/docs/dataset-settings) to change the name or description, configure access, replace source files, or manage Dropbox sync. ## Delete a dataset Users with delete permission see `Delete Dataset` at the top of the page. MangoMap blocks deletion while any map still uses the dataset and lists the affected maps. Remove those map layers before trying again. If the dataset is unused, confirm the permanent deletion. See [How to delete a dataset](/docs/portals/delete-a-dataset) for the complete workflow. > [!WARNING] > Deleting a dataset removes it and all its data permanently. You cannot undo it. ## Who can open the view A public dataset can be opened without signing in. A private dataset requires account membership and sufficient owner, creator, or access-group permission. See [How dataset access works](/docs/dataset-access/concepts-dataset-access). ## Related - [Dataset view reference](/docs/dataset-view/dataset-view-reference) - [Dataset settings](/docs/dataset-settings) - [Find a dataset](/docs/portals/find-a-dataset) - [How to delete a dataset](/docs/portals/delete-a-dataset)