While DEMSCORE v4 with 145 datasets and 25.000 variables is bigger than ever, we know that there are plenty of other datasets out there that we do not (yet) include. In this post, we will walk you through a little DEMSCORE-hack, illustrating how DEMSCORE can be of help even when using external datasets.
With the introduction of Demscore v3, you can merge datasets in a dyadic format with datasets in a country-year format. With the new dyad-location-year Output Format, we create an Output Unit that can append both datasets, as it includes one observation per location, dyad, and year.
Those with experience in merging data can attest that it is an exceedingly demanding task, and if you are unlucky, it can consume a significant portion of your time devoted to a project. At least that used to be the case before the launch of Demscore, a research e-infrastructure that streamlines data merging and harmonization.
