# Introduction The Data Editor Guidelines — guidelines for data entry — have been developed to provide instructions, rules, and guidance for entering data on large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) into the Land Matrix (LM) database using the LM Data Editor application. The Data Editor Guidelines consist of two parts: a general section outlining overarching principles, and a specific section that provides detailed descriptions and guidance on all variables within the Land Matrix database. For help and instructions regarding the technical functionalities and features of the LM application, please refer to the manual of the web-application: [Manual LM web portal ](https://doc.landmatrix.org/books/data-management-in-the-land-matrix-online-platform). New data reporters, editors and administrators should read this manual first. ** ** For questions on the deal updating process, please refer to the fully updating guidelines: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bzejMADscywlGeESZPA-80rujh8kRbfz/edit?usp=drive\_link&ouid=102660977782443621588&rtpof=true&sd=true](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bzejMADscywlGeESZPA-80rujh8kRbfz/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=102660977782443621588&rtpof=true&sd=true)

***Important**:*** To familiarise yourself with data entry or to test certain aspects, you should not work on the live version of the database, but on [**https://dev.landmatrix.org/deal/add/**](https://dev.landmatrix.org/deal/add/)**.**

***Please note*:** The Data Editor Guidelines are a living document. They will be continuously updated and refined in line with future software and database developments, as well as user feedback.