If you’re implementing structured data for datasets, you may have questions about how to properly mark up your pages, why certain datasets may not appear in Google Dataset Search, or how to troubleshoot common issues.
This guide compiles frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you understand how Google Dataset Search works, how to optimize your structured data, and how to resolve common errors.
Before posting a question in forums or discussions, check whether your query is already answered below. If not, feel free to start a new discussion and select “Structured Data” as your category.
1. What is Google Dataset Search, and Where Can I Learn More?
Google Dataset Search is a specialized search tool that allows users to find datasets from various sources across the web. It relies on structured data markup using schema.org/Dataset to help Google understand and categorize datasets effectively.
For additional resources:
✔️ Google Dataset Search Developer Documentation
✔️ Google’s Official Launch Announcement
✔️ Technical Overview of Google Dataset Search
If you’d like to receive announcements and updates about Google Dataset Search, subscribe to Google’s Dataset Search mailing list.
2. How Do I Add My Dataset to Google Dataset Search?
If you have a webpage describing a dataset, follow these steps to ensure it gets included in Google Dataset Search:
Required Steps
1️⃣ Add Structured Data (Schema.org) Markup
- Use schema.org/Dataset structured data on your dataset pages.
- Refer to Google’s Dataset structured data guide.
2️⃣ Validate Your Structured Data
- Use the Google Rich Results Test to check if your markup is correct.
3️⃣ Submit a Sitemap in Google Search Console
- If you have multiple dataset pages, create a sitemap.xml and submit it to Google Search Console.
4️⃣ Wait for Google to Crawl the Dataset Pages
- If the dataset isn’t appearing in Dataset Search after one or two weeks, use the Feedback button in Search Console to report the issue.
3. How Can I See Data on My Datasets’ Visibility in Google Search?
Google introduced a structured data report for Datasets in Google Search Console (September 2019).
🔹 If enabled in your account, you can find it under:
Search Console → Enhancements → Dataset Report
This report provides insights into how your dataset pages appear in Google Search and highlights errors or warnings related to structured data implementation.
4. Why is My Dataset Not Showing Up in Google Dataset Search?
If your dataset isn’t appearing in Dataset Search, possible reasons include:
1️⃣ Missing or Incorrect Structured Data
- Verify the page’s structured data using Google’s Rich Results Test.
- Ensure the dataset page has a valid schema.org/Dataset markup.
2️⃣ Dataset Page Has Not Been Crawled Yet
- Check Google Search Console to confirm the page has been crawled and indexed.
- Use the URL Inspection Tool to check crawl status.
3️⃣ The Dataset Is Indexed but Not Ranked Yet
- Sometimes, Google may index a dataset page but not display it immediately.
- Ensure the page is discoverable, linked from other pages, and provides valuable information.
5. Do I Need a Contract or Special Approval for My Dataset to Appear in Dataset Search?
No. Google Dataset Search is open to all websites that implement schema.org/Dataset structured data.
- There is no contract or special approval required.
- The markup is voluntary, and websites can remove or modify it anytime.
6. Will Adding Structured Data Improve My Rankings?
No, adding schema.org/Dataset markup does not affect organic rankings in Google Search.
However, implementing structured data is required for datasets to appear in Google Dataset Search.
7. Can I Expect More Traffic After Adding Dataset Markup?
There are no guarantees of traffic increases. However, structured data can:
✔️ Improve dataset discoverability in search results.
✔️ Attract high-intent users looking specifically for datasets.
✔️ Increase visibility in Dataset Search, leading to more engagement.
8. How Do I Remove a Dataset from Dataset Search?
If you own a dataset page and want to remove it from Dataset Search:
1️⃣ Delete the schema.org/Dataset markup from the page.
2️⃣ Google will eventually stop showing the dataset after the next crawl cycle (which may take a few weeks).
9. Why is Some Structured Data Not Displayed in Search Results?
Google decides what information to display based on user experience. Even if structured data is correctly implemented, Google may choose not to display certain fields in Dataset Search results.
As websites provide more high-quality, structured data, Google continuously improves how results are displayed.
10. What Tools Can Help with Dataset Markup?
Google offers several tools to help webmasters implement and test structured data:
✅ Markup Helper – Generates sample JSON-LD markup.
✅ Rich Results Test – Validates structured data for datasets.
✅ Schema.org Documentation – Detailed schema guidelines.
11. How Should DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) Be Included in Dataset Markup?
If your dataset has a DOI, structure it as follows:
jsonCopyEdit{
"@context" : "http://schema.org/",
"@type" : "Dataset",
"@id" : "https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.8nm16",
"url" : "https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.8nm16",
"identifier": "https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.8nm16",
"citation": {
"@type" : "Article",
"identifier" : "https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.01596"
}
}
This markup specifies the DOI properly and ensures accurate indexing.
12. Can Googlebot Load JavaScript When Looking for Dataset Markup?
Yes, Google can execute JavaScript to extract structured data.
- However, to avoid issues, ensure the markup renders correctly in Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
- If the tool cannot detect structured data, check whether JavaScript execution delays markup rendering.
13. Why is the “identifier” Property Missing in the Structured Data Testing Tool?
This is a known issue in Google’s tool, but it does not affect dataset indexing.
As long as your structured data follows Google’s guidelines, there is no need to worry about this warning.
14. How Should Multiple Authors Be Marked Up?
Use the "citation" property to list multiple authors in structured data:
jsonCopyEdit"citation": [
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "John Doe"
},
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Jane Smith"
}
]
This ensures proper attribution and improves dataset visibility.
15. Where Can I Suggest New Features or Report Issues with Dataset Properties?
To propose new structured data properties or report issues, visit:
🔗 Schema.org GitHub Issues
Final Thoughts
Implementing structured data for datasets enhances visibility in Google Dataset Search, making it easier for users to discover and access valuable data.
✔ Follow Google’s structured data guidelines.
✔ Validate your markup using Google’s tools.
✔ Monitor dataset visibility in Google Search Console.
For troubleshooting, refer to the FAQ above or consult Google’s Dataset Search Documentation.
