Frequently asked questions
Project Director Allison Liuzzi created this primer on how to find the data you need for the demographic or geographic area you serve. https://www.mncompass.org/data-insights/articles/storytelling-data-where-do-i-begin
Yes: Most data compiled for Compass are public information and may be reproduced for free with appropriate citation, along with our URL, mncompass.org.
We appreciate an accurate citation so others can find the data that you've used. Please include "Minnesota Compass," the years of data included in the page or graph, the name of the page or graph, and the URL.
Example: Minnesota Compass. (1998-2018). Voting-eligible population that voted in midterm election years, 1998-2018. https://mncompass.org/chart/k180/voter-turnout-0#1-13608-g
If you are using a visual format, consider adding the words "Compiled by MN Compass" and "mncompass.org" to the visual, or add a footnote and include the complete citation near the visual.
Finally, if your reader requests a particular citation style, we recommend adjusting our examples to fit those requirements.
If you want the data for an online article, blog, or report, feel free to embed a link directly to the graph you would like to show. Once you navigate to the chart you need, click on the link icon at the bottom right of the chart, highlighted here: 
Then find the breakdown you need, and cut and paste the link from the URL. The URL will look something like this: mncompass.org/chart/k513/neighbors-helping-neighbors#1-12766-g.
If you want the data for an online article, blog, or report, feel free to embed a link directly to the graph you would like to show. Once you navigate to the chart you need, click on the link icon at the bottom right of the chart, highlighted here:
Then find the breakdown you need, and cut and paste the link from the URL. The URL will look something like this: mncompass.org/chart/k513/neighbors-helping-neighbors#1-12766-g.
Each map or graph has an export button in the upper right. Hover over the button to view the export menu. Choose an export format (Image file, PDF document, or SVG vector image). The map or graph will be captured and downloaded to your browser as a separate file.
You may need to re-size or crop the picture (found under "format" for pictures in Word) but remember to include the citation with the graph.
Alternately, to capture the entire page as a graphic, use the "print screen" button found on most keyboards. Paste into your email, word processing, presentation, or graphics program.
You can also download raw data and use it to create your own graph. The raw data includes past years and more detailed information. Click "VIEW: Graph" on the right side of the teal bar above each map or graph. This will create a drop-down menu. Click "CSV file" in the menu. Open it with a data processing program to create your graph.
Icons at the bottom right of the chart or table give you more options for sharing, such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as giving you the ability to print.
