This guide explains how to understand and use the Heatmap reports available in the QS Rankings Datasets. The Heatmap tool provides a visual summary of performance across multiple dimensions, using colours to indicate areas of high and low achievement.
The Heatmap report is available in the Analytics section of your Reports bar.
1. Understanding the Heatmap Colors
Colour Gradient:
Bright yellow: Indicates higher performance (top rank/ high score).
Dark brown: Indicates lower performance (low rank/ low score).
2. Exporting and Copying Data
Copy to Clipboard:
You can copy data directly from the Heatmap for use in your analyses.
Download as CSV:
The option to download data relevant from the Heatmap report as a CSV file is available to all users.
3. Customising the Heatmap Report
There are four dropdown menus you can use to tailor the data displayed in your Heatmap:
Dropdown | Options/Function |
Values | - Large selection on Indicators and Metrics |
Columns | - Ranking year |
Rows | - Universities - Benchmark Peers - Peer Lists - Territories |
Cell Values | -Maximum -Top Quartile -Median -Bottom Quartile -Minimum |
There are also several Pre-programmed Shortcuts, which are common combinations of rows and value types to streamline analyses.
4. Other controls
You can tailor the Heatmap to show the most relevant data using several controls:
Values Button
Choose what metric to visualise:
Rank: Shows overall position.
Percentile: Shows comparative placement.
Score: Displays the raw or calculated score.
Benchmark Controls
Benchmark Peers: Select which institutions or organisations to display.
Benchmark Period: Choose the years to analyse.
Focus Institution: Select which university to highlight.
5. Interpretation of Data Display
When you select Universities in the Rows Dropdown, you are viewing statistics for each university in the Benchmark Peer list (set in the Dropdown on the top right) plus the Focus Institution (set in the Dropdown on the top left).
When you select the other options, each row displays the aggregate data for the type of list you selected.
6. Common Use Cases
Assess Change Over Time: Monitor year-over-year performance for your institution or competitors.
Peer Comparison: Identify strengths and weaknesses by comparing multiple peers in one view.
Aggregate List Analysis: Examine statistical summaries (like the median) for pre-defined peer groups.