> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://biggeo.gitbook.io/biggeo/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://biggeo.gitbook.io/biggeo/faqs.md).

# FAQs

All FAQs, consolidated on one page.

## <mark style="color:$danger;">**Needs a cover photo.**</mark>

## Getting Started

<details>

<summary>I'm not a data scientist. Can I still use BigGeo?</summary>

Yes - that's exactly who BigGeo is built for. You ask questions in plain language through ChatGPT. If you can type a question, you can use BigGeo.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Is it free to sign-up?</summary>

Yes, it is free to sign-up to the platform.

</details>

<details>

<summary>I didn’t receive my one-time sign-up code. What should I do?</summary>

Check your spam or junk folder first. If you still can't find it, click "Resend Code" on the sign-up page. . If you're not sure, email <support@biggeo.com> or speak with your Customer Success Manager.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I change my organization’s name after setup?</summary>

Yes, you can update your organization's name in Organization Settings.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I update the optional details (phone, website, description) later?</summary>

Yes, you can edit these fields anytime in Organization Settings.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do I have to add team members during setup?</summary>

No, you can skip this step and add team members later from your dashboard, under Team Management.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I skip the organization setup step?</summary>

Yes, you can access BigGeo as an individual user.

</details>

## Datasets & Data Quality

<details>

<summary>What files can be ingested?</summary>

All file types are supported, such as CSV, Parquet, and Shapefile formats. Each file must include a spatial attribute - latitude/longitude coordinates for point data, or a geometry field for polygon data.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How do I know which dataset to buy for my use case?</summary>

Browse the Marketplace and search for the type of data you need. . If you're not sure, email <support@biggeo.com> or speak with your Customer Success Manager.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I try the data before I buy it?</summary>

Most datasets offer dynamic sampling through the Marketplace, so you can preview a portion of the data before purchasing.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>How current is the data?</summary>

Data freshness varies by dataset and provider. Each listing shows the date it was last updated. <mark style="color:$danger;">**I provided a feature request for this and I think it will be a quick fix so I will edit this accordingly.**</mark>

</details>

<details>

<summary>What geographic areas are covered?</summary>

Coverage depends on the specific dataset. Check the listing for geographic scope. Most major commercial datasets cover the US, Canada, and key international markets.

</details>

## BigGeo AI&#x20;

<details>

<summary>What do I actually need to get started?</summary>

Three things: a BigGeo DataLab account, a purchased dataset with BigGeo AI activation enabled, and a ChatGPT account.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why did my query return no results?</summary>

A few possible reasons: the dataset may not cover that geographic area; your variant may not have BigGeo AI activation enabled; the query may be too narrow; or your token balance may be at zero. See the [Troubleshooting](/biggeo/biggeo-ai/troubleshooting.md) guide for more information.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I use data from multiple datasets in one query?</summary>

Yes - if you've purchased multiple datasets, you can reference them in the same query.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I export query results?</summary>

This depends on the licensing terms of your purchased variant. Check your purchased variant's delivery method in DataLab > Data Variants > Purchased.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I ask follow-up questions after a query?</summary>

Yes - BigGeo AI works conversationally. After a result, ask "Which of those is closest to X?" or "Show me only results in ZIP code Y." Each follow-up is a new query and uses a small number of tokens.

</details>

## Credit Usage&#x20;

<details>

<summary>Do unused credits expire?</summary>

It depends on your plan. Credits purchased expire within 12 months. Credits included in a monthly subscription expire within 1 month. Check your plan terms in DataLab > Credits, email <support@biggeo.com>, or speak with your Customer Success Manager.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What happens when I run out of credits ?</summary>

Queries will not complete until you top up. Top up via DataLab > Account > Subscription Management.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can my whole team share a credit balance?</summary>

Yes - your organization's credit balance is shared across all team members in your workspace.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if I bought credits but am not using them?</summary>

Reach out to your Customer Success Manager. We'll help you identify the right use case and get you running. Unused credits are a signal that something in the setup or use case is not clicking - and that's something we want to fix.

</details>
