Hydrant separates your data into two layers: Datasets and Selections.
A Dataset is the raw, immutable source data. It is the original table of rows and columns -- imported from a CSV, API, or created manually. A dataset contains all your data as-is, without any filtering, coloring, or mapping applied. Think of it as the single source of truth.
Key characteristics:
A Selection is a prepared view of a dataset, configured for use in a specific visualization. It takes the root dataset and applies slicing, filtering, column mapping, row selection, coloring, sorting, and geo mapping to produce the exact data a scene needs.
Key characteristics:
The Datasets page lists all available datasets in your workspace and provides access to public datasets.
Note: Free plan users can browse and use public datasets but cannot create custom datasets.
The Dataset Detail page shows comprehensive information about a single dataset, whether public or private.
The Selection Editor is where you configure how a dataset's root data is prepared for a visualization scene. Every setting here creates the bridge between raw data and the 3D scene.
The selection name is editable via an inline edit button. Click Save in the breadcrumb header to persist all changes.
Filter the root dataset down to the rows you need:
For geographic datasets, configure region-level filtering:
Define how each data point is colored in the visualization:
The unified mapping table connects dataset columns to visualization roles and lets you control which rows appear: