Guidance for the deployment of data portals. Good practices and recommendations

Open data portals help municipalities to offer structured and transparent access to the data they generate in the exercise of their functions and in the provision of the services they are responsible for, while also fostering the creation of applications, services and solutions that generate value for citizens, businesses and public administrations themselves. 

The report aims to provide a practical guide for municipal administrations to design, develop and maintain effective open data portals, integrating them into the overall smart city strategy. The document is structured in several sections ranging from strategic planning to technical and operational recommendations necessary for the creation and maintenance of open data portals. Some of the main keys are: 

Fundamental principles 

The report highlights the importance of integrating open data portals into municipal strategic plans, aligning portal objectives with local priorities and citizens' expectations. It also recommends drawing up a Plan of measures for the promotion of openness and re-use of data (RISP Plan in Spanish acronyms), including governance models, clear licences, an open data agenda and actions to stimulate re-use of data. Finally, it emphasises the need for trained staff in strategic, technical and functional areas, capable of managing, maintaining and promoting the reuse of open data. 

General requirements 

In terms of general requirements to ensure the success of the portal, the importance of offering quality data, consistent and updated in open formats such as CSV and JSON, but also in XLS, favouring interoperability with national and international platforms through open standards such as DCAT-AP, and guaranteeing effective accessibility of the portal through an intuitive and inclusive design, adapted to different devices. It also points out the obligation to strictly comply with privacy and data protection regulations, especially the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

To promote re-use, the report advises fostering dynamic ecosystems through community events such as hackathons and workshops, highlighting successful examples of practical application of open data. Furthermore, it insists on the need to provide useful tools such as APIs for dynamic queries, interactive data visualisations and full documentation, as well as to implement sustainable funding and maintenance mechanisms. 

Technical and functional guidelines 

Regarding technical and functional guidelines, the document details the importance of building a robust and scalable technical infrastructure based on cloud technologies, using diverse storage systems such as relational databases, NoSQL and specific solutions for time series or geospatial data. It also highlights the importance of integrating advanced automation tools to ensure consistent data quality and recommends specific solutions to manage real-time data from the Internet of Things (IoT). 

In relation to the usability and structure of the portal, the importance of a user-centred design is emphasised, with clear navigation and a powerful search engine to facilitate quick access to data. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of complying with international accessibility standards and providing tools that simplify interaction with data, including clear graphical displays and efficient technical support mechanisms. 

The report also highlights the key role of APIs as fundamental tools to facilitate automated and dynamic access to portal data, offering granular queries, clear documentation, robust security mechanisms and reusable standard formats. It also suggests a variety of tools and technical frameworks to implement these APIs efficiently. 

Another critical aspect highlighted in the document is the identification and prioritisation of datasets for publication, as the progressive planning of data openness allows adjusting technical and organisational processes in an agile way, starting with the data of greatest strategic relevance and citizen demand. 

Finally, the guide recommends establishing a system of metrics and indicators according to the UNE 178301:2015 standard to assess the degree of maturity and the real impact of open data portals. These metrics span strategic, legal, organisational, technical, economic and social domains, providing a holistic approach to measure both the effectiveness of data publication and its tangible impact on society and the local economy. 

Conclusions 

In conclusion, the report provides a strategic, technical and practical framework that serves as a reference for the deployment of municipal open data portals for cities to maximise their potential as drivers of economic and social development. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence at various points in open data portal projects represents a strategic opportunity to expand their capabilities and generate a greater impact on citizens. 

You can read the full report here.