---
title: "About Datasets"
slug: "datasets"
description: "Learn what Datasets are in Board, how Developers define them via the Dataset Catalog or Layouts, and how they support Foresight workflows and the M365 Excel Add-in."
tags: ["Developer", "Dataset", "Design Mode", "Layout Editor", "Layout"]
updated: 2026-03-31T09:00:24Z
published: 2026-03-31T09:00:24Z
canonical: "help.board.com/datasets"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.board.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# About Datasets

A Dataset is a semantic layer of data that enhances self-service capabilities in the Board platform. It allows users to interact with data without needing to know in detail all the data structures of a Data Model.

This articles covers:

- [What is Datasets?](/v15/docs/datasets#what-is-datasets)
- [The Dataset Catalog](/v15/docs/datasets#the-dataset-catalog)

## What is Datasets?

A Dataset is a semantic layer of data which can be created and configured by Developers, allowing users to interact with [other Board Functionalities](/v15/docs/clone-datasets#interact-with-datasets-in-board), namely Board AI Agents, the Board M365 Excel Add-in and Board Foresight, without needing to know in detail all the data structures of a Data Model.

On the other hand, datasets allows Developers to:

- Create structured, purpose-built queries
- Empower business users with self-service data exploration
- Reuse existing Screen Layouts as datasets

Currently, Datasets are bound to the Board Engine and rely on internal queries.

> [!NOTE]
> Before creating a Dataset, ensure a Data Model with Cubes, Entities, and Data Readers exists.

## The Dataset Catalog

In the Data Model area, a tile is available to manage Datasets.

![Overview of data models including datasets, analytics, and security options.](https://cdn.document360.io/8d6f1ae8-0cac-4d0d-a208-6245b83df94a/Images/Documentation/Group 74.png)

Click on this tile to access the Dataset Catalog, from where you can:

1. [Create a new Dataset](/v15/docs/create-and-configure-a-dataset)
2. Select an existing Dataset to edit, duplicate or delete it
3. Search or filter the list of available Datasets

![Dataset catalog interface showing 'Sales by Product' and search options.](https://cdn.document360.io/8d6f1ae8-0cac-4d0d-a208-6245b83df94a/Images/Documentation/Group 72.png)

### Dataset metadata

Each Dataset includes the following metadata:

- **Name**. Name of the Dataset to be displayed in all other functionalities where Datasets is used.
- **Description**. Developer-defined explanation of the Dataset.
- **Data Model**. Identifies the associated Data Model.
- **Created by**. Developer’s username in Board.
- **Last Update / Creation Date**. Timestamps.
- **Dataset for AI**. Enabled for Datasets used by Board AI Agents.

> [!WARNING]
> **Known Limitation**
> 
> The dependencies of Datasets are not visible within Impact Analysis.

Read more about how to [create and configure a Dataset](/v15/docs/clone-datasets).

The Board Engine is the platform’s core in-memory multidimensional processing layer that loads and manages the Data Models (Cubes and Entities) and executes calculations and data-management operations triggered by Layouts, Dataflows, Data Readers, Extractions, and Procedures.