Google Search Console API adds metadata field to flag incomplete data in reports

The Google Search Console API has introduced a new metadata field in the Search Analytics API to provide context about the completeness of the data returned in queries. This metadata helps users identify when their request includes incomplete data points, which are still being collected and processed.

Metadata Field Details

• The metadata object may be returned alongside query results and indicates the state of the data.
• It is especially relevant when requesting recent data using all or hourly_all for the dataState parameter.
• The metadata specifies when incomplete data starts and ends, helping users understand which parts of the data may still change.
• All timestamps in this metadata are in the America/Los_Angeles time zone.

Metadata Fields Based on Data Grouping

• first_incomplete_date:

  • Returned when data is grouped by date and the dataState is all.
  • Format: YYYY-MM-DD (ISO-8601 extended local date format).
  • Indicates the first date with incomplete data in the requested range.
  • Data for all dates after this may still change significantly.

• first_incomplete_hour:

  • Returned when data is grouped by hour and the dataState is hourly_all.
  • Format: YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss[+|-]hh:mm (ISO-8601 extended offset date-time format).
  • Indicates the first hour with incomplete data in the requested range.
  • Data for all hours after this may still change significantly.

This enhancement allows users to better interpret the freshness and reliability of their Search Analytics API data, especially for recent periods where data collection is ongoing.