DataBuffet.com^®

DataBuffet.com is a robust, web-based data management and manipulation tool that allows you to access and use Moody's Economy.com data. DataBuffet.com offers the ability to transform data, as well as download it in many formats. It is also integrated into Microsoft® Office for quick implementation into your workflow (charts and maps can be updated from within Word, Excel or PowerPoint).

Core Features

• Intuitive and easy-to-use web-based interface allows users to assemble datasets in seconds, including hierarchical data catalogs and geography wizards.
• Seamless integration with Moody's Economy.com databases.
• Ability to save baskets—and schedule them for regular delivery to email, ftp and more (at regular intervals or when data change).
• Microsoft plug-ins allow access to DataBuffet.com data (including charts and maps) from within Office applications—update your .xls, .doc or .ppt with one click.
• Data updates and tips on DataBuffet.com's blog.
• Access to reference files, including industrial classifications, geographic lists and methodologies.

Baskets

DataBuffet.com uses graphical data catalogs and a geography wizard so that you can browse or search for concepts easily.

Basket features:

• Familiar concept.
• Can be named and saved.
• Concepts in basket can be transformed piecemeal or together: year over year %, simple difference, annualized growth, % change, year over year difference or custom.
• Manipulate frequencies.
• Run series across multiple geographies (all states) using wild cards.
• Download in 14 different file formats.
• Convert a basket into a chart.
• Schedule deliveries (email or ftp) by time (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly) or when data are updated.

Charts

DataBuffet.com charts accommodate up to 10 time series. Each chart can be highly formatted and saved and/or downloaded (offers the same robust formatting options found in Excel).

Chart features:

• 11 chart types.
• Two vertical axes to plot divergent units.
• Format the units on the vertical and horizontal axes and their gridlines.
• Include recession bars and custom stripes for arbitrary periods.
• Divide series across multiple panes.
• Text annotations.
• Apply a title with up to three lines, each with independent formatting.
• Include and format a legend.
• Choose output dimensions and file format (bmp, gif, jpg, png, wmf).

These two charts are designed to showcase some of the formatting combinations possible on the DataBuffet.com.

Fig.1. This chart uses many of the DataBuffet.com Chart customization options. It includes six data series formatted with different colors, opacities, stroke widths, dash patterns and markers. There are two different axes with separate formatting (number and currency). The labels in the legend are derived from the descriptions on each series (including geography) but have been edited. There is a recession bar for the U.S. (grey) and two custom stripes (green).

Fig.2. This chart uses a different set of customizations. It includes four data series formatted as two smoothed lines (with a wide stroke for visibility), a dotted line, and bars. The single vertical axis has gridlines, which have been formatted as grey. The legend can be placed on any of the four sides, or omitted entirely. The three-line title is centered. DataBuffet.com Chart is software and is subject to change. We welcome and encourage your comments and suggestions; please contact us at help@economy.com.

Maps

With the new map feature, use color to geographically plot values or ranges for a single concept and period, and format the result into a presentation-ready downloadable graphic.

Features

• Available maps: states and metro areas in the U.S., counties in each state, countries in worldwide and regional groups, and selected non-U.S. subnational areas.
• Choose a number of intervals, equal value or equal number of observations, and a color gradient.
• Format the labels for each locale, boundaries, and empty (no data) areas.
• Apply a title with up to three lines, each with independent formatting.
• Include and format a legend.
• Choose physical output dimensions (pixels) and file format (bmp, gif, jpg, png, wmf).
• View underlying data values and download to Excel.
• Use Power Tools to insert a linked object into a Microsoft Office application.
• Create one or more schedules to regenerate and deliver the map on a fixed timeframe or when the data change.
• The four maps are designed to showcase some of the formatting combinations possible with DataBuffet.com Map. They do not necessarily represent good practice in info-graphic design.

Fig.3. A map of the U.S. at the state level. This uses a three-line title, the default color gradient, a five-step equal-number-of-observations scale, and short geographic labels.

Fig.4. A map of the U.S. at the metro level. It uses a custom color gradient, the default marble-shaped markers in the legend, and omits geographic labels.

Fig.5. A map of a state at the county level. It has a right-justified three-line title with custom colors. No title has been attached to the legend.

Fig 6. The Western Europe international-level map. Countries are labeled with Moody’s Economy.com geo codes, formatted as red to contrast with the blue color gradient for the data ranges. Only two lines of the title block have been used.

Integration With Microsoft Office

These are Microsoft Office add-ins that allow you to insert maps and charts created on DataBuffet.com into your Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word documents. The objects retain a connection to DataBuffet.com, for one-click updates with the latest values.

Features:

• Retrieve data from within Excel and refresh with a single click.
• Log in to your DataBuffet.com account and choose from saved maps and charts.
• Insert a scalable graphic into your Microsoft Office document.
• Retain a link to DataBuffet.com: Any change to the data or formatting can be refreshed to the graphic.
• Transfer graphics between Office applications while retaining the link.
• Operate by using menu bar or pop-up menu.

DataBuffet.com Blog

Moody's Economy.com Data Services team frequently posts helpful articles on the DataBuffet.com blog. Recent posts include explanatory articles on data changes, source delays, FAQs and new data, as well as tips on using DataBuffet.com.