File storage, access and setup

Google Drive folder structure

All data files used for visualizations must be stored in the shared Google Drive using a standardized structure.

Structure overview

• Country folder (e.g. Germany, Spain, UAE)

  • Department folder (e.g. Research)

    • Project or page folder (optional, if needed)

Example

CMS_DataVisualization > DE_Germany > 01_Research > hamburg-price-development-2025

Best practices

• Always store files in the correct country and department folder

• Use clear, descriptive file names (e.g. berlin-price-trends-2024)

• Avoid duplicate files across folders

Access restrictions and how to request access

Access to Google Drive folders is restricted based on country and department responsibilities.

Who has access

• Editors typically have access to their own country and department folders

• Cross-country or cross-department access is limited

If you need access

1. Identify the correct folder in the CMS_DataVisualization structure

2. Request access from:

   • The respective Google Chat group for website support

   • Website support team

3. Provide:

   • Link to the folder

   • Purpose of access (e.g. “upload data for market report page”)

Where files must be stored

To ensure visualizations function correctly, files must be stored in the correct location.

Requirements

• Files must be located inside the official shared Google Drive structure

• Do not use:

  • Personal Google Drive folders (My Drive)

  • Local files (e.g. desktop uploads)

  • External storage links

Why this matters

• Visualizations pull data directly from these files

• Incorrect storage can break the visualization or make it inaccessible

Permissions and sharing requirements

Correct permissions are essential for visualizations to display on published pages.

Required permissions

• Files must be set to:

  • Accessible to anyone with the link (view access), or

  • Accessible to the internal E&V service account, which will automatically have read access when the file is placed in the correct folder

Checklist before publishing

• File is in the correct folder

• File link is accessible (test in incognito mode)

• No edit restrictions blocking data access

Common mistake

• File is not stored correctly and therefore the visualization will not load

What happens if access is missing or incorrect

Incorrect setup can directly impact the page output.

Possible issues

• Visualization does not load

• Empty or broken chart appears

• Data fails to update

• Error message in the Storyblok field "Data Source URL" is shown

How to troubleshoot

1. Check file location (correct folder?)

2. Verify permissions (public or accessible?)

3. Confirm file link is correct

4. Re-test in preview or live page

Example scenario

• A Google Sheet file is uploaded to a personal Drive → Result: chart does not display on the Hamburg property insights page

Summary

To ensure smooth data visualization:

• Use the correct Google Drive folder structure

• Request access early if needed

• Store files only in approved shared locations

• Set correct permissions before publishing

Following these steps helps avoid broken visualizations and ensures a consistent user experience across Engel & Völkers pages.