> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.data.ca.gov/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.data.ca.gov/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/readme.md).

# Introduction

[Version 1.0.1](https://docs.data.ca.gov/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/pages/a8JTjXluTklYtiaLr1rb#version-1.0.1) | Last Updated May 31, 2022

## Who the handbook is for

This handbook is for California State employees that want to publish open data on the State’s Open Data Portal (<https://data.ca.gov>)

{% hint style="warning" %}
The guidance on uploading and publishing data (sections [4](broken://pages/-MjNvD6E_2pw_4bk6qir) and [5](broken://pages/-MjNvHiEv8_h36q2ogrZ)) only applies to direct publishing on <https://data.ca.gov>. However, the rest of the guidance establishes **minimum** expectations for preparing data for publishing.

[You can see a list of State organizations that maintain their own open data portals](/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/reference/jason-add-reference-to-orgs-that-have-different-publishing.md). Reach out to your portal administrator or data coordinator if you have questions about publishing on those portals.
{% endhint %}

## :mega: Feedback and questions welcome

This guidance will evolve and grow with feedback. Throughout, we've called out opportunities for feedback on additional guidance indicated with a megaphone emoji (:mega:). Any feedback can be submitted to <opendata@state.ca.gov>.

## A definition of open data

Before diving in, it's important to understand a common definition of open data. This handbook guides you through publishing in a way that is consistent with this definition.

The [Open Knowledge Foundation has developed a standard open data and content definition](https://opendefinition.org/od/2.1/en/), summarized below.

> **Open data is data that can be freely used, shared and built-on by anyone, anywhere, for any purpose.**
>
> Building on this, open data must be **openly licensed**, **accessible**, **machine readable**, and **published in an open format**.

You can read more [detail on what is open data, what is not open data, and value propositions for open data](/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/reference/the-what-and-why-of-open-data.md) in the reference section of this handbook.

## How to use the handbook

Publishing a new open dataset takes some planning and coordination, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. This handbook is designed to provide a reference guide you can return to as you go.

**Get started by:**

1. Skimming the handbook to familiarize yourself with its content
2. Starting immediately [with the pre-publishing checklist](/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/1.-review-the-pre-publishing-checklist.md)
3. Bookmarking and coming back as you move through getting your data ready for publishing

## How the handbook is organized

The handbook is divided into sections that line up to a general publishing process. The diagram below shows those steps and are listed down below with links to each section.

![The image above shows a diagram of the steps in the publishing process. There are six steps. These are listed below with description and links to each section. ](/files/QxB0wp7yaPWXp7VZRqJT)

**Publishing process steps**

1. [**Review the pre-publishing checklist**](/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/1.-review-the-pre-publishing-checklist.md)**.** Summarizes things to get started on and be aware of early in the process to minimize surprises later on.
2. [**Prepare data for publishing.**](/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/2.-prepare-data-for-publishing.md) Guidance on preparing your dataset for publishing including identifying and implementing any necessary cleaning and merging of data as needed.
3. [**Create metadata and data dictionary.** ](/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/3.-create-metadata-and-data-dictionary.md)Guidance on minimum metadata and documentation needed to make the dataset useful to others.
4. [**Upload the dataset.**](/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/4.-upload-the-dataset.md) Guidance on uploading the dataset to the open data portal for those publishing directly to data.ca.gov.
5. [**Get final publishing approval.**](/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/5.-get-publishing-approval.md) Guidance on getting final approval to make the dataset publicly available.
6. [**Update and maintain the dataset.**](/california-open-data-publishers-handbook/6.-update-and-maintain-the-dataset.md) Guidance on ways to make sure the dataset is updated and maintained appropriately.

##