Standards

The use of standards and core reference data for linking open data

Local open data is most useful when like datasets from different localities can be identified, compared and combined.  This is complicated where power is devolved down to regional and local government, as consistency of open datasets cannot be mandated across a country or the EU as a whole.  However mechanisms can be implemented to aid local governments in aligning where they see public and mutual advantage in doing so.

Open standards make it possible for citizens and entrepreneurs to access data consistently in a multitude of apps or APIs, compliant with the architecture of an open platform.