datos.gob.es launches a new version of its platform

Spain's open data initiative, datos.gob.es, is revamped to offer a more accessible, intuitive and efficient experience. The change responds to the desire to improve access to data and facilitate its use by citizens, researchers, companies and administrations. With an updated design and new functionalities, the platform will continue to act as a meeting point for all those who seek to innovate based on data.

Focus on high-value datasets and web services

The new website reinforces its central axis, the National Open Data Catalogue, an access point to nearly 100,000 datasets, which group more than 500,000 files, and which the Spanish Public Administration makes available to companies, researchers and citizens for reuse. In it you can find datasets published by bodies of the General State Administration, regional, local, universities, etc.

One of the most relevant advances is the improvement in the possibilities for data publishers to describe in a more precise and structured way the data collections they wish to make available to the public. A more detailed description of the sources makes it easier for users to locate data of interest.

Specifically, the platform incorporates a new metadata model aligned with the latest versions of European standards, the national application profile DCAT-AP-ES, which adapts guidelines from the European metadata exchange scheme DCAT-AP (Data Catalog Vocabulary – Application Profile). This profile improves interoperability at national and European level, facilitates compliance with EU regulations, favors the federation of catalogues and the localization of datasets, and contributes to improving the quality of metadata through validation mechanisms, among other advantages.

In addition, the new version of datos.gob.es introduces significant improvements to the Catalog view, highlighting high-value data (HVD) and data offered through web services. To improve their identification, distinctive symbols have been added that allow you to differentiate the types of resources immediately.

Likewise, the number of documented metadata has been expanded, which is shown to users through a clearer structure. Metadata provided by publishers can now be categorized into general information, data sheet, contact and quality aspects. This new organization provides users with a more complete and accessible view of each dataset.

It is also worth noting that the data request process has been optimized  to offer a more intuitive and fluid experience.

A new information architecture to improve usability

The new datos.gob.es platform has also adapted its information architecture to make it more intuitive and improve navigation and access to relevant information. The new settings make it easier to locate datasets and editorial content, while contributing to accessibility, ensuring that all users, regardless of their technical knowledge or device type, can interact with the website without difficulties.

Among other issues, the menu has been simplified, grouping the information into five large sections:

• Data: includes access to the National Catalogue, along with forms to request new data to be published as open. Information on data spaces and safe environments can also be found in this section, along with a section on resources for publisher support.
• Community: designed to learn more about open data initiatives in Spain and be inspired by examples of reuse through various use cases, organized into companies and applications. It should be noted that the map of initiatives has been updated with revised and improved files, with the option of filtering by the category of data offered, making it easier to consult. In this section we also find information on the challenges and the subsection of sectors, which has been considerably expanded, incorporating all those defined by the Technical Standard for Interoperability of Reuse of Information Resources, which allows a more complete view of both the data and its potential for use according to each area.
• News: users will be able to keep up to date with the latest developments in the data ecosystem through news and information on events related to the subject.
• Knowledge: one of the main novelties of the new platform is that all the resources that seek to promote data-based innovation have been unified under a single heading, making it easier to organize. Through this section, users will be able to access: blog articles, written by experts in various fields (data science, data governance, legal aspects, etc.), where trends in the sector are explained and analyzed; data exercises to learn step by step how to process and work with data; infographics that graphically summarize complex use cases or concepts; interviews with experts in podcast, video or written formats; and guides and reports, aimed at both publishers and reusers of data. Also included is the link to the GitHub repository, whose visibility has been strengthened in order to promote access and collaboration of the data community in the development of open tools and resources.
• About us: in addition to information about the project, FAQs, contact, platform technology, etc., in this section you can access the new dashboard, which now provides more detailed metrics on the catalog, content, and outreach actions.

The new version of datos.gob.es also introduces key improvements to the way content and datasets are located. The platform has been optimized with an intelligent search, which allows a guided search and a greater number of filters, making it easier to find information faster and more accurately.

Improved internal functionalities

The new version of datos.gob.es also brings with it internal improvements that will facilitate management for data publishers, optimizing processes. The private part accessed by agencies has been revamped to offer a more intuitive and functional interface. The console has been redesigned to streamline data management and administration, allowing for more efficient and structured control.

In addition, the content manager has been updated to its latest version, which guarantees better performance.

These enhancements reinforce datos.gob.es's commitment to the continuous evolution and optimization of its platform, ensuring a more accessible and efficient environment for all actors involved in the publication and management of open data. The new platform not only improves the user experience, but also drives data reuse across multiple industries.

We invite you to explore what's new and reap the benefits of data as a driver of innovation!