Resources

Definitions, glossaries, repositories, and other resources for further exploring the world of open data

Open Data Definitions – What’s in a Name?

1. Open Definition (referenced by Open Data Handbook, ODI, Open Data Census, and OECD Open Data Analytical Framework)

“Open data is data that can be freely used, reused and redistributed by anyone – subject only, at most, to the requirement to attribute and sharealike.”

Open Definition

2. The White House, 2013 OMB Memorandum

“Open data refers to publicly available data structured in a way that enables the data to be fully discoverable and usable by end users.”

The White House, 2013 OMB Memorandum

3. Data.Gov.UK

“Open data is data that is published in an open format, is machine readable and is published under a license that allows for free reuse.”

Data.Gov.UK

4. Dbpedia: A nucleus for a web of open data

“Open data is the idea that certain data should be freely available to everyone to use and republish as they wish, without restrictions from copyright, patents or other mechanisms of control.”

Dbpedia: A nucleus for a web of open data

5. Open Data Institute

“Open data is information that is available for anyone to use, for any purpose, at no cost. Open data has to have a license that says it is open data. Without a license, the data can’t be reused. These principles for open data are described in detail in the Open Definition.”

Open Data Institute

6. LinkedGov

“Open data is non-personally identifiable data produced in the course of an organization’s ordinary business, which has been released under an unrestricted license. Open public data is underpinned by the philosophy that data generated or collected by organizations in the public sector should belong to the taxpayers, wherever financially feasible and where releasing it won’t violate any laws or rights to privacy (either for citizens or government staff).”

LinkedGov

7. McKinsey Global Institute

“Machine-readable information, particularly government data, that’s made available to others. These open datasets share the following 4 characteristics: 1. Accessibility: A wide range of users is permitted to access the data. 2. Machine readability: The data can be processed automatically. 3. Cost: Data can be accessed free or at negligible cost. 4. Rights: Limitations on the use, transformation, and distribution of data are minimal.”

McKinsey Global Institute

8. Open Data Now

“Open Data is accessible public data we can use to launch new ventures, analyze trends, make decisions, and solve problems.”

Open Data Now

9. Open Data Barometer

Excerpt from report indicates that researchers assessed datasets based on the “full Open Definition requirements of being machine readable, accessible in bulk, and openly licensed.”

Open Data Barometer

10. The World Bank

“Data is open if it satisfies both conditions below:

  • Technically open: available in a machine-readable standard format, which means it can be retrieved and meaningfully processed by a computer application
  • Legally open: explicitly licensed in a way that permits commercial and non-commercial use and re-use without restrictions.”

The World Bank

Open Data Definitions: Matrix of Analysis

Open Data Glossaries

Below, we list and describe five key efforts to define the many terms related to open data – from API to XML – with a focus on how the available glossaries differ from one another. Additionally Becky Hogge’s “Open Data: Six Stories About Impact in the UK,” also commissioned by Omidyar Network, offers a glossary of terms related to open data and the six initiatives she studied.6

Source Description Terms Distinguishing Characteristics
Source

Data.gov
Description
Glossary of Terms
Terms
39
Distinguishing Characteristics
Definitions sourced from a diversity of linked secondary sources. Categories of definitions for general terms and for terms related to metadata.
Source
Data.gov.uk
Description
This glossary is intended to be an authoritative explanation of the meaning of technical terms, for all users of data.gov.uk. Users are encouraged to improve it by suggesting a better way of explaining the definitions, and by adding new definitions.
Terms
75
Distinguishing Characteristics
“Search for Term” functionality allowing the user to find instances of the term in the data.gov.uk catalog. Ability to suggest a new term.
Source

Open Data Handbook
Description
N/A
Terms
121
Distinguishing Characteristics
The most extensive glossary focusing exclusively on open data. Available in 20 languages.
Source

Project Open Data
Description
This section contains explanations of common terms referenced in Project Open Data and the Open Data Policy.
Terms
46
Distinguishing Characteristics
Generated through crowdsourced, wiki functionality, allowing users to edit the glossary and view its revision history.
Source

Gartner IT Glossary
Description
IT Glossary is your trusted guide to exploring technology terms and definitions, from the world’s leading IT research and advisory company.
Terms
1,000+
Distinguishing Characteristics
Glossary for all manner of information technologies, not just open data. Search and alphabetical browsing functionalities. Related research displayed for terms. Term of the Day.

Open Data Repositories

OPEN DATA CASE STUDY REPOSITORIES (alphabetically listed)

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1. ePSIplatform’s Cases

ePSIplatform’s Cases

Who

ePSIplatform

What

A collection of examples on Public Sector Information (PSI) Re-use, with the main focus on Europe.

Number of Case Studies

221

Countries Covered

31 – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada (2), Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand (1), Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States (1)

Contact

Phil Archer, W3C; Martin Alvarez-Espinar, CTIC; Daniel Dietrich, OKFN; Makx Dekkers (according to website)

View Repository Here

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2. Follow the Money

Follow the Money

Who

A global network of more than 100 organizations supported by ONE and the Open Knowledge Foundation. Other partners include the Transparency & Accountability Initiative, the World Bank, Development Initiatives, and the Revenue Watch Institute.

What

The network enables organizations working on “various aspects of the Follow the Money agenda – from resource availability, to spending, to service delivery and results in particular sectors to share information, campaign for the inclusion of open data principles in transparency policies, and identify opportunities for collaboration to drive policy change, including through Follow the Money campaigns in specific countries.”1 The repository has a summary of each initiative including the stage of the project and its categorization.

Rationale

The aim of the initiative is to “support and strengthen the community of activists and advocacy organizations pushing for the transparency that is needed for citizens around the world to ‘follow the money’ and hold decision-makers to account for the use of public money.”2

Number of Case Studies

266

Countries Covered

All of Africa, Indonesia, India, USA, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Venezuela, Kuwait, UAE, Algeria, Libya, Peru, Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Bangladesh, Estonia, China, Spain, Costa Rica, Nepal, Chile, Georgia, Romania and South Korea

Contact

Alan Hudson, Policy Director (Transparency & Accountability) at ONE and Jonathan Gray, Director of Policy and Ideas at the Open Knowledge Foundation (@jwyg)

Visit URL

View Database Here

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3. Open Data Partnership for Development (ODP4D) Case Studies: Open Data Institute (ODI), The World Bank and Open Knowledge Foundation

Open Data Partnership for Development (ODP4D) Case Studies: Open Data Institute (ODI), The World Bank and Open Knowledge Foundation

Who

Partnership between ODI, The World Bank and Open Knowledge Foundation

What

As noted in the project announcement, the overall objectives of the partnership are to: “support developing countries to plan, execute and run open data initiatives; to increase re-use of open data in developing countries; to develop an ecosystem of skills, support and peer-learning; and grow the base of evidence on the impact of open data for development.”3 Project activities include “scoping the state of open data; assessing the readiness of countries to open up – and use – their data; training government officials, other policy makers, and civil society; undertaking research and producing guidelines on the best use of open data; and producing case studies of impact.”4

Rationale

“There needs to be a credible evidence base focused on developing countries and socio-economic development in order to both win the support of officials and to better execute future open data initiatives.”5

Number of Case Studies

13

Countries Covered

Burkina Faso, Mexico, Morocco, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Macedonia and South Africa

Contact

Tom Heath, Head of Research, ODI; (@tommyh)

View Repository Here

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4. Open Government Partnership Case Studies

Open Government Partnership Case Studies

Who

Open Government Partnerships

What

The case studies are submitted by participating governments and give a concrete example of an initiative they have launched featuring open data. The case study provides a brief overview of the project, the challenges faced, results and the opportunities that could be maximized.

Rationale

OGP aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to drive open government reform and innovation at the country level, in an effort to stretch countries beyond their current baseline in the areas of transparency, accountability and citizen engagement.

Number of Case Studies

7

Countries Covered

Mexico, Israel, Indonesia, Tanzania, Croatia, United States, Moldova, Chile, Brazil, Azerbaijan, Philippines, Brazil, Canada, Albania, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Norway

Contact

Munyema Hasan, Program Officer

View Repository Here

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5. Open Knowledge Foundation’s Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency Report (GIFT)

Open Knowledge Foundation’s Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency Report (GIFT)

Who

Open Knowledge Foundation with funding provided by Omidyar Network

What

The report examines two main areas: “technology for transparency and technology for accountability around public finance.” In particular it looks at “who builds these tools, who uses them, and who benefits from them.6

Rationale

With an increasing emphasis on opening up government data, “it is prudent for governments to start to look into new ways to open up their data, to save time, money and effort in opening up a backlog of data and to get necessary workflows in place.”7

Number of Case Studies

12 (as well as 2 examples of internationally recognized standards)

Countries Covered

United Kingdom, Canada, Republic of Korea, Brazil, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, India, Uganda

Contact

Rufus Pollock, President & Founder of OKF; @rufuspollock

Visit URL

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6. Sunlight Foundation Case Studies on Social Impact of Open Data

Sunlight Foundation Case Studies on Social Impact of Open Data

Who

The Sunlight Foundation, with funding from the Open Data for Development Research Fund

What

The Sunlight Foundation has produced “a searchable repository of more than 100 examples on the outputs, outcomes and impacts of open data and digital technology projects.”8

Rationale

The case studies “aim to illustrate the social impact of open data and digital transparency initiatives in different countries, cities and communities. We gathered examples on how users are empowered by open government initiatives as well as how open data and digital transparency projects are changing the behavior, relationships, activities and actions of users.”9 The cases create an “evidence base that can empower further generalizations in the open government field.”10

Number of Case Studies

142

Countries Covered

Worldwide – 64 cases from the Global North, 37 from the Global South and nine with impact on both regions

Contact

Julia Keseru, International Policy Manager; (@jkeserue)

Visit URL

View Repository Here

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7. Technology for Transparency Network

Technology for Transparency Network

Who

A project of Rising Voices and Global Voices, sponsored by the Open Society Institute and the Omidyar Network

What

As noted on the project site, “the Technology for Transparency Network is a research and mapping project that aims to improve understanding of the current state of online technology projects that increase transparency and accountability in Central & Eastern Europe, East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the former Soviet Union.”11

Rationale

The case studies aim to “document in-depth as many technology for transparency projects as possible to gain a better understanding of their current impact, obstacles, and future potential.”12

Number of Case Studies

63

Countries Covered

Argentina, Burundi, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, India, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Puerto Rico, Sudan, Singapore, Slovakia, Thailand, Tanzania, Uganda, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Contact

Renata Avila, Project Leader, @avilarenata; Rebekah Heacock, Project Leader, @rebekahredux and/or Hazel Feigenblatt, Editorial Advisor, @HazelFeigenblat

Visit URL

View Repository Here

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8. World Bank’s Pipeline Project

World Bank’s Pipeline Project

Who

The World Bank Group

What

A collection of examples of “open data companies in emerging markets, specifically in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, as well as India and Russia.”

Number of Case Studies

315

Countries Covered

21 – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Paraguay, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uruguay, Vietnam

Contact

Haishan Fu, Tariq Afzal Khokhar, Amparo Ballivian

View Repository Here

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9. The World Wide Web Foundation (WWWF): Exploring the Emerging Impacts of Open Data in Developing Countries (ODDC)

The World Wide Web Foundation (WWWF): Exploring the Emerging Impacts of Open Data in Developing Countries (ODDC)

Who

The WWWF, with funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

What

The ODDC Project is a multi-country, multi-year study led by the World Wide Web Foundation. As noted in the project announcement, the ODDC Project “explores how open data can foster improved governance, support citizens’ rights, and promote more inclusive development through looking at the emerging impacts of existing open data projects in developing countries.”13

Rationale

The ODDC project is “designed to inform the development of planned and on-going open data initiatives in the South. The project will work through a series of open data case studies in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. These case studies examine initiatives, the governance challenges they propose to address, and emerging outcomes and impacts from the application of open data in these contexts. The project is also developing cross-cutting data collection instruments and analysis approaches to help explain if and how open data is bringing change to developing countries. Finally, it is engaging with global and local policymaking and practice in order to improve developmental outcomes of these initiatives.”14

Number of Case Studies

17

Countries Covered

14 (Initial case-study countries include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Nepal, Paraguay, Philippines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda and Uruguay)

Contact

Tim Davies; @timdavies

View Repository Here

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10. Open Data 500 Global Network

Open Data 500 Global Network

Who

The Governance Lab at New York University

What

Network of organizations collecting case studies on open data use and impact by companies.

Rationale

“Coordinated by the Governance Lab (GovLab), the OD500 Global Network enables participating organizations to analyze open data in their country in a manner that is both globally comparative and domestically specific. The OD500 Global Network starts from the assumption that only by mapping the use of open data within and across countries, can new approaches for understanding the economic and social impact of open government data be generated.”

Number of Case Studies

1,100

Countries Covered

U.S., Mexico, Australia, Canada, Italy, and Korea

Contact

Stefaan Verhulst, Chief of Research and Development; stefaan at thegovlab.org

Visit URL

OPEN DATA PORTAL REPOSITORIES

Open data portals have been increasingly used by local, city and national governments to release data in open and reusable formats. These portals have encouraged the increased use of open government data and led to the development of applications, new products and services.

Launched at the 2011 Open Knowledge Foundation Conference in Berlin, DataPortals.org curates a list of over 400 open data portals from around the world, including Data.gov and New Zealand’s Open Data Case Studies. These portals specifically also provide a collection of case studies on how these portals have been used and contributed to social impact.

United States – Data.gov Impact Case Studies

In addition to providing access to numerous government data sets, the site also highlights examples of open data impact, including impact in “cost savings, efficiency, fuel for business, improved civic services, informed policy, performance planning, research and scientific discoveries, transparency and accountability, and increased public participation in the democratic dialogue.”

New Zealand – Open Data Case Studies

New Zealand’s Office of the Chief Information Office provides a list of case studies that highlight “the innovative implementation of government ICT initiatives, the successful contribution to the delivery of ICT functional leadership, and the impact of innovative re-use of open government data.” The portal showcases over 30 open data case studies from 2012 to 2015 across various open data use categories, including apps and tools; new skills; central government releases; statistics; and local government releases.

INTERMEDIARY REPOSITORIES

Several Open Data intermediaries have also developed a set of client-studies, including:

CKAN Case Studies

The CKAN data management platform helps “numerous governments, organisations and communities around the world” catalogue, search and display data.15 The site showcases 116 instances of use across Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Australasia as well five in-depth case studies from the U.K., the European Union, Helsinki and the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI).

DKAN Case Studies

DKAN is the Drupal-based open source data platform that includes a full suite of cataloging, publishing and visualization features that allows governments, nonprofits and universities to easily publish data to the public. The eight case studies featured on the site present an overview of the client, the project, the goal of the work and the impact of the project.

Esri Case Studies

Esri provides enterprise geographic information systems (GIS) to help its clients “make timely, informed and mission-critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography.”16 Esri provides over 80 case studies on how businesses, government agencies and nonprofits across sectors have used map-based data for decision-making and social impact.

Granicus Case Studies

Granicus manages “the world’s largest and most reliable legislative content network—containing more than 5 million government media files and public records and maintaining a 99.98% uptime track-record.” Granicus provides 30 case studies of cities across the U.S. who are “leveraging their technology to successfully run their day-to-day government information tasks including webcasting public meetings, managing and delivering legislative information, collaborating with citizens, and more.”17

IBM Smarter Cities Case Studies

The IBM Smarter Cities projects “help government leaders manage complex city environments, incidents and emergencies with a city solution that delivers operational insights.”18 Tools from the IBM Intelligent Operations Center (US) offer integrated data visualization, near real-time collaboration and deep analytics to help city agencies enhance the ongoing efficiency of city operations, plan for growth and coordinate and manage response efforts. The aim of the initiative is to help power more collaborative working relationships across businesses, industries and state and town lines – and draw in an ever more active and engaged citizenry.19 There are five in-depth interactive case studies from cities around the world available with details on what IBM did and how they did it.

Microsoft Case Studies

Microsoft open government solutions “allows governments to reach and interact with citizens when and where they need through secure and effective data sharing and open access across mixed technology environments.” The solutions help to “provide effective information between various government agencies and with constituents while not sacrificing security and privacy.”20 The diverse case studies set out the business needs of the organization (including governments, nonprofit organization and companies), the solution developed by Microsoft and the benefits of the initiative.

Socrata Case Studies

The Socrata case studies provide descriptions of Socrata-led initiatives with governments at the municipal (e.g., Boston), state (e.g., Hawaii) and federal levels (e.g., Spain). Each of the 29 case studies provides a description of the initiative, why it was developed and the main highlights of the project.

Open Data Resources

Selected GovLab Open Data Impact Publications

GovLab Open Data Projects

Omidyar Network Open Data Resources

Other Resources

Reference

6 Hogge, Becky. “Open Data: Six Stories About Impact in the UK.” Omidyar Network. November 2015. https://www.omidyar. com/sites/default/ les/ le_archive/insights/Open%20Data_Six%20Stories%20About%20Impact%20in%20the%20UK/ OpenData_CaseStudies_Report_complete_DIGITAL_102715.pdf

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