The Data Access Portal has information in 3 columns. An outline of the content in these columns is provided above. When first entering the search interface, all potential datasets are listed. Datasets are indicated in the map and results tabulation elements which are located in the middle column. The order of results can be modified using the "Sort by" option in the left column. On top of this column is normally relevant guidance information to user presented as collapsible elements.

If the user want to refine the search, this can be done by constraining the bounding box search. This is done in the map - the listing of datasets is automatically updated. Date constraints can be added in the left column. For these to take effect, the user has to push the button marked search. In the left column it is also possible to specific text elements to search for in the datasets. Again pushing the button marked "Search" is necessary for these to take action. Complex search patterns can be constructed using the search selector (identifying AND or OR behaviour). Words that should be included in the results can be identified by prefixing them with '+', similarily words that should not be found in the results should be prefixed with '-'. Text strings that are not quoted are treated as separate words and will match any of the words (i.e. assuming OR operator).

Other elements indicated in the left and right columns are facet searches, i.e. these are keywords that are found in the datasets and all datasets that contain these specific keywords in the appropriate metadata elements are listed together. Further refinement can be done using full text, date or bounding box constraints. Individuals, organisations and data centres involved in generating or curating the datasets are listed in the facets in the right column. Utilisation of multiple elements in the search page are inclusive in the sense that all constraints are applied simultaneously. The search can be reset using the RESET buttons below the free text field or in the map. Following a reset it is wise to select parents in the search interface again to avoid having too many responses.