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

# Data readiness

> Understand how Ploti checks available datasets, identifies gaps, and starts research

# Know what can support the answer

Every research request begins with a data-readiness check. Ploti inspects the datasets available to your workspace and compares their content and coverage with the assignment.

## What the check does

Ploti can:

* Identify datasets that directly support the request
* Explain why each dataset is useful
* Detect missing coverage or attributes
* Ask a clarifying question when the brief is ambiguous
* Recommend whether to proceed, request data, or do both

<Frame caption="A readiness report confirms that three datasets are available and the research can start immediately.">
  <img src="https://cdn.ploti.ai/static/docs/ploti-app/b2e5b05a03631171d837831d9af6922d32511a0ebb5c19b2de98509f66a9bb08/data-readiness.webp" alt="Data readiness report for McDonald's locations across Orange County, Florida, showing three ready datasets, their relevance to the request, and the Start research button." />
</Frame>

## When all needed data is ready

Choose **Start research**. Ploti hands the brief and its context to the research run. You may close the page; the work continues on Ploti's servers and the workspace receives an email when it is complete.

## When data is missing

You can choose the path that fits the decision:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Request the missing data">
    Ploti creates data requests for the gaps. Data agents source and prepare the
    datasets, and the full research can run once they are ready.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Run an interim analysis">
    Start a trimmed-down run using the evidence already available while the
    missing data is collected. Treat the interim result as provisional.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Proceed with available data">
    When the missing dataset is helpful rather than essential, run the research
    now and preserve the limitation in the result.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Frame caption="While agents source a missing dataset, wait for the full research, run a partial analysis, or explore the map.">
  <img src="https://cdn.ploti.ai/static/docs/ploti-app/172ec032c33e1547754595334d4e31aa195d7665de1f6ba31329c348eb185e8c/missing-data-next-steps.webp" alt="Winter Garden coffee shop research waiting for commercial real estate listings, with options to close and wait, run a partial analysis now, open the map, or track sourcing progress." />
</Frame>

## Clarifying questions

If Ploti asks for more detail, answer on the request page. Useful clarifications include the intended property use, geographic scope, time horizon, minimum evidence standard, or preferred output.

## Data readiness is not a guarantee

A ready dataset can still contain stale, incomplete, or jurisdiction-specific values. Review cited sources and important attributes before making an investment, legal, or development decision.

## Next step

<Card title="Results and map" icon="map" href="/docs/research/results-and-map">
  Learn how completed research is organized and opened.
</Card>