How to Connect a Data Set to Your Project: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to navigate your project dashboard and connect a data set, including selecting data sources like DICOM or Heidelberg Heyex 1, applying filters, and linking your OCT images efficiently.

October 29, 2025 By Yasmin McQuinlan

In this guide, we'll learn how to navigate to your project and connect a data set. You will see how to select your project, choose or create a data set, and link it to your image files. We will also cover how to apply filters to your data set if needed.

You will know how to confirm that your data set is connected and ready to use.

Let's get started

I will show you how to navigate to your project and connect a data set.

Step #1: Click on your project under "My projects". — Click on your project under **"My projects"**.

Step #2: Click on the "Datasets" tab. — Click on the **"Datasets"** tab.

Step #3: Click on "Link dataset" — Click on **"Link dataset"**

Step #4: You can select an existing dataset from the dropdown, or connect a new dataset by clicking on "Connect a new dataset" — You can select an existing dataset from the dropdown, or connect a new dataset by clicking on **"Connect a new dataset"**

Step #5: Here you can select the appropriate datasource either "DICOM (Ophthalmology)" for image files with the extension .dcm or select "Heidelberg Heyex 1" for cameras with image file extensions of .sdb or .pdb. — Here you can select the appropriate datasource either **"DICOM (Ophthalmology)"** for image files with the extension .dcm or select **"Heidelberg Heyex 1"** for cameras with image file extensions of .sdb or .pdb.

Step #6: Give your dataset a memorable name. You could use the naming convention: [Camera - Start date range - End date range - Trial Name]. eg. spectralis-01Jan2025 - 31Dec2025 - RAIDER. — Give your dataset a memorable name. You could use the naming convention: [Camera - Start date range - End date range - Trial Name]*. eg. spectralis-01Jan2025 - 31Dec2025 - RAIDER.*

Step #7: Next, you will identify the location where your images are stored. Click the folder icon 📂 to nominate the file path address for your images. — Next, you will identify the location where your images are stored. Click the folder icon 📂 to nominate the file path address for your images.

If you're not sure where your images are located, you may need consult with your IT Support Resource.

Step #8: There is also an option to apply filters to your dataset. Select the appropriate "Imaging modality" from the dropdown list of options. — There is also an option to apply filters to your dataset. Select the appropriate **"Imaging modality"** from the dropdown list of options.

Step #9: You can filter by Date of birth, Date created, Date modified. A minimum and maximum number of B-scans or File size (MB) can be applied also. — You can filter by **Date of birth**, **Date created**, **Date modified**. A minimum and maximum number of **B-scans** or **File size (MB)** can be applied also.

The Date of Birth will be baked into the algorithm but you can restrict this further if you wish. The Date created refers to the date the file was created, rather than referencing the dicom header Acquisition Date. Date modified refers to the date the file was modified.

Step #10: Click on "Connect and link dataset". The app will begin building the schema for this dataset. — Click on **"Connect and link dataset".** The app will begin building the schema for this dataset.

When the dataset is connected, you will see a pop-up at the bottom of the Bitfount app confirming this. Congrats on connecting a new dataset! 🥳

If you need any assistance with the steps above, please email support@bitfount.com and our team would be happy to assist.