Copenhagen, 8 September 2010

ITST has published a guide containing short and general guidelines for technical aspects that government departments need to be aware of when publishing data for public re-use. The publication is part of ITST's efforts in the ODIS initiative (Offentlige data I Spil, bringing public data into play). The Guide can be found on the Digitaliser.dk platform where it is available for download.

The manual provides several reasons for government departments to release data, not just because current regulations encourage it, but also because it can help create additional value for the government departments themselves. The guide appeals in this way to look at open government data as a means to increase governments own effectivity and efficiency in reaching its policy goals, while at the same time creating potential for citizens and organizations.

Before going into a discussion about different possible data formats in which data can be released, and when to preferrably use them, the general rule is given as 'publish it in the best format you have available'.

Then the guide calls for departments who release data to register themselves and their datasets at the Digitaliser.dk platform, where already a growing list of Danish data sources (currently 950) is maintained.

The document ends with a short checklist, and pointers to more information (such as data.gov.uk which is showcased as example of good practice, and the work of the W3C on standards for open government data)

(front page of the Technical Guide to publishing Open Government Data)