> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.data.gov.sg/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.data.gov.sg/user-guide/for-data-consumers/understanding-a-datasets-update-information.md).

# Understanding a dataset's update information

Every dataset page on data.gov.sg shows dataset update information. This guide explains what each piece of information means and how to read it.

#### **What you'll see on a dataset page**

{% hint style="info" %}
Not every dataset shows all of these – agencies choose what applies to their dataset. Rows with no value are hidden.
{% endhint %}

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#### Coverage date

`Data from ... / Up to ...` describes the period the records themselves cover, not when the file was published or last touched. A dataset can show the coverage range for a past date and still be actively maintained – check `Last updated` to see whether the file itself has changed recently.

#### **Last updated**

If you need to know whether a specific update has already happened rather than estimate it, check:

* **`Last updated`** – confirms when the file was actually ingested. Metadata-only updates like description and titles are not included in this timestamp.
* **`See history`** – the full list of past ingestion timestamps for file-based datasets.
* **`See API uptime`** – for API-based datasets, the live status page shows whether the pipeline is running as expected.

#### Cadence

Cadence (e.g. "Daily", "Every Monday", "Quarterly") is the rhythm the agency has committed to for this dataset – it's a schedule, not a live signal that an update has just happened. Use `Last updated` to confirm the most recent update.

#### **Next update expected**

Depending on the dataset, the expected update date could show:

* **Exact date and time** – e.g. "7 Jul 2026 at 9:00AM"
* **Exact date** – e.g. "7 Jul 2026"
* **Month only** – e.g. "Jul 2026"

Treat `Next update expected` as a best estimate, not a guarantee. Agencies work to a schedule, but a range of things – source system delays, data quality checks, public holidays – can push an update earlier or later than shown.&#x20;

If a dataset shows a month-only date, expect the actual update to land at some point in that month rather than on a specific day.

#### **A note on API-based datasets**

API datasets are pushed automatically by the agency's own systems. Data updates are not reflected in the last updated timestamp. Instead, you may check the uptime status page for more information on the API’s availability.