Data publishers and users
Open standards for data are reusable agreements that make it easier for people and organisations to publish, access, share and use better quality data.
This page provides starting points for data users looking to find, adopt or create new open standards for data
Getting Started
What are open standards for data?
Standards are documented, reusable agreements that affect us every day. Open standards for data make it easier for people and organisations to publish, access, share and use better quality data.
Types of open standards for data
There are thousands of open standards in use around the world. We have divided them into three broad categories. Open standards can fall into a single category or draw features from multiple categories to achieve their aims.
When to use open standards for data
Open standards for data are useful for interaction, aggregation, comparison and linking. Where possible, consider using an existing open standard rather than developing a new one.
When not to create new standards
Creating open standards can be resource and time-intensive, so it’s worth first considering whether using an existing open standard is the right solution.
Finding and adopting open standards
How to find and adopt existing open standards
How to find open standards
This guide helps you uncover new ways to find existing open standards.
Tools to find open standards
This guide helps you find existing open standards from lists, directories and other useful resources.
How to choose an open standard
This guide helps you ask the right questions when choosing an open standard.
Further reading
Learn more about the benefits of standards and how they are developed
Introduction
This section explores the impact and influence of open standards and the lessons learned from developing open standards.
How open standards are developed
Open standards combine elements of technical activity, stakeholder coordination and community engagement. Open standards can be built on or extend existing open standards.