Domain experts
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 domain experts looking to understand more about 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.
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.
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.
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.
Creating and adopting standards
Learn more about how open standards are created and adopted
How to find open standards
This guide helps you uncover new ways to find existing open standards.
Developing standards
This section is a guide to the activities, documents and resources to consider so you can develop a successful open standard.
Lessons learned in open standards development
There are thousands of standards under development, in use, or retired worldwide. Here, we condense some of the important lessons emerging from the people and organisations using, sharing and developing open standards for data.
Further reading
Learn more about standards creation and the experiences of the standards community
The Standards Community
Learn more from the wider community of organisations developing and supporting open standards
Case Studies
Our standards case studies provide a summary of the history, development process, governance and key actors involved in the development of an open standard for data