Learn Open Data / Publishing Open Datasets

Datasets are published to provide access to the data in raw or processed form. Raw data may be provided in a raw format (csv, etc.) or may be used in a visualization or story (ideally also with access to raw data format).

Publishing Raw Datasets

Open datasets should be published in formats that maximize access and use:

• provide a catalog and optionally search/filter capabilities
• provide free web access as simple files, web service, etc.
• use standard formats that promote use by common software tools
• provide metadata and other documentation that facilitate understanding data
• provide guidance on attribution

Publishing Datasets in Support of Visualizations and Stories

Datasets may be difficult to comprehend in raw form due to a lack of context and perspective. Consequently, the datasets may be presented individually or in combination in a visualization or data-driven story.

The following diagram illustrates technologies that may be used.