> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kb.bravegen.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kb.bravegen.com/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/processes/file-upload/data-maps.md).

# Data Maps

Create and manage data maps for importing spreadsheet activity data into BraveGen.

## Overview

BraveGen allows for the ingestion of tabular data (CSV, XLS, XLSX) and Utility Invoice PDFs files through data maps. Data maps are created as part of the New Process -> Filemap workflow.

When ingesting a spreadsheet file for the first time, BraveGen will transpose (pivot) the data into a column-based structure for easy mapping. This transposed data set is presented in a preview next to the mapping inputs.

If the transposed data set appears incorrect or is missing some data then you should click the '[Fix Formatting](#fixing-formatting)' button to correct this issue.

<figure><img src="https://56003612-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F5LvYBvfJ43u2Q5Y715DI%2Fuploads%2FzfSDSuiL4WAZETLJyJ3a%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=bbdb4004-a8fb-4152-bb63-4ab84237a316" alt=""><figcaption><p>Transposed file preview, ready to be mapped</p></figcaption></figure>

## Creating a Carbon Map

Click create 'add Carbon Map' to map the data for ingestion into Carbon. You can also create a Utilities Map for ingestion into BraveGen Building Management if your organisation has that subscription.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can create a multiple Carbon Maps for the same file if you have multiple columns of activity data.
{% endhint %}

Most mapping inputs will prompt you where the data is located. If you choose <mark style="color:$primary;">**In Data**</mark> then you will need to specify 1 or more columns that include this data. If you choose <mark style="color:$primary;">**Specify**</mark> then you can specify a fixed value that is not included in the file. If the mapping input is optional then you will also be able to choose <mark style="color:$primary;">**Skip**</mark>

If you indicate that the values are '**In Data**', you will need to select which column from the preview contains this data. In the case that data is in a combination of multiple columns - you can add multiple columns to the input, in the order you want them to be output. Eg for the transposed structure: \[Street name, Street number, Date, ...] you might select `B` `A` for the *Entity Identifier*.

<table><thead><tr><th width="209.94140625">Mapping Input</th><th width="244.91796875">Description</th><th width="229.50390625">Example</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Entity Identifier</td><td><a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-1">How the entity is referenced in the file.</a></td><td>6A | 123 Sample St</td></tr><tr><td>Source Type</td><td>An initial classification of the activity. If your data has a lot of different types, use 'Mixed'</td><td>Purchased Electricity</td></tr><tr><td>Goods &#x26; Service</td><td>The activity you want to track / calculate emissions for</td><td>Electricity, Gas</td></tr><tr><td>Source Identifiers</td><td>Used to distinguish between multiple Goods &#x26; Services of the same type</td><td>ICP or NMI Numbers, Serial Numbers or other unique identifiers</td></tr><tr><td>Supplier</td><td><a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-2">Activity and emissions can be grouped / reported on by this supplier</a></td><td>GreenPower</td></tr><tr><td>Activity Data</td><td>The activity quantity</td><td>45,123.90</td></tr><tr><td>Activity Unit of Measure</td><td>The unit the quantity is in</td><td>kWh</td></tr><tr><td>Invert Values</td><td>Changes the value from positive to negative (or vice versa)</td><td>Converting an expense (negative value) into a positive amount</td></tr><tr><td>Activity Date</td><td>The date the activity occurred. Can be either a single value, or a range.</td><td>March 2026 or<br>15 March 2026 - 14 April 2026</td></tr><tr><td>Activity Region</td><td>Where the activity occurred - used to help suggest correct Emission Factors.</td><td>QLD</td></tr><tr><td>Cost</td><td>The cost of the activity (excluding tax) if known</td><td>135.95</td></tr><tr><td>Cost Currency</td><td>The currency the cost is in</td><td>NZD or<br>AUD</td></tr><tr><td>Commentary</td><td>Any details about this specific quantity on this date - used for justification during Audit or Data Review</td><td>Value was lower than usual due to disruption in supply chain as a result of import tax increases.</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Data map versions

If BraveGen detects that the structure of a file uploaded to a task differs from the structure of the file that was mapped, you will be prompted to review and save a new version of the data map. In this case, click the update button next to the Data Map Version selection on the task details view to open the update view, make any necessary corrections, and then save a new version.

### Updating a data map

Updating a data map is identical to the process of creating a new data map outlined above. Existing values should be pre-populated from the previous data map version. Once you have confirmed the mapping is correct, click the 'Save and Use Mapping' button at the bottom of the view.

### Using an old data map version

If a data supplier reverts their file format you can select an older datamap version from the datamap version selection option. This will be saved as a new version with the current date and time stamp.

## Fixing Formatting

If data is not correctly displayed in the pivot preview you can click 'Fix Formatting'. This will display a preview of the raw data structure and prompt you for some additional information to guide the transposition:

Header Row - Specify this if your data contains a header row

Pivot Data Set By - Specify the columns that contain the descriptions of the data you want to extract. Eg. Location, Site, Activity type, Supplier, Material, etc... we use these to group and format your activity data.

<mark style="color:$danger;">Avoid selecting columns that have quantities, or dates as their data.</mark>

{% hint style="info" %}
For best results, upload your data as a table with column and row headings. The value should sit where a row and column meet.
{% endhint %}

[^1]: Dont worry if this isnt identical to how the entity is referenced in other files. This is resolved in the Task Review step.

[^2]: Suppliers with slightly different spelling in different files can be merged later on.