Timezones in Snowplow Data: What You Need to Know
Blog post from Snowplow
Snowplow employs a standardized approach to timestamp management by storing all key timestamps in UTC, which facilitates consistency throughout the data pipeline. The post discusses common queries regarding timezone conversion, highlighting the importance of accurate data analysis. To convert these timestamps to different timezones, the CONVERT_TIMEZONE function in Amazon Redshift is recommended, with examples provided for both straightforward and dynamic conversions utilizing fields like os_timezone or geo_timezone. Potential issues in timezone conversion are addressed, such as devices not reporting timezones or using outdated timezone databases in Redshift, with solutions like the COALESCE function suggested to mitigate these problems. Overall, Snowplow's UTC-based timestamp storage, combined with effective timezone conversion practices, ensures precise data localization and enhances analytical accuracy, with further details available in the official documentation.