Data Basis: Universalizing Access to High-Quality Data

Abstract

In this paper we explain how the Data Basis platform helps decisively solve the data access problem for different types of users. We describe its core products: a powerful search engine, a freely accessible data lake featuring a unified schema and hundreds of interoperable tables, and APIs in various programming languages. We exemplify the platform’s utility with discussions of three datasets on labor markets, elections, and local public finances in Brazil. The project is extraordinarily cost-effective: dividing a measure of yearly benefits generated by a conservative estimate of yearly costs to run the organization yields a lower bound social return of 74. We conclude by laying out a roadmap to guide the organization’s future steps.

The Effects of Electing a Miner Mayor: Evidence From Brazil

“…Elections. I use the Brazilian municipal electoral data provided by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) and processed by Base dos Dados (Dahis et al, 2022). This dataset contains the full results of all municipal elections since 1996 and, for elections after 1998, it also provides individual candidates' characteristics, such as full name, age, gender, occupation, education, party affiliation, and the complete national ID number (CPF).…”

“…Public Finance. I use data from the Sistema de Informações Contábeis e Fiscais do Setor Público Brasileiro (SICONFI) provided by the Brazilian National Treasury and processed by Base dos Dados (Dahis et al, 2022). Because this dataset reports municipal fiscal expenditure by area from 2004 to 2021, including expenses on environmental management, I focus the analysis on mayors elected between 2008 and 2016.…”