Open Data Publication Manual

Under its authority to “establish standards and policies to govern information technology in the state of Washington” (RCW 43.105.054), the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) adopted a policy requiring all agencies to develop and publish an open data plan and inventory of offerings. The intent of open data is to enable citizens, colleagues, businesses, and communities to understand and amplify the civic purposes of public agencies. WSDOT’s Open Data Publication Procedures support agency efforts to openly share information with citizens, business partners, and community organizations.

Potential topics for open data will be chosen in consultation with business areas to include consideration of OCIO requirements, along with agency Strategic Plan goals and associated initiatives and what is most often requested and needed by business partners and citizens. Open data will be provided in a consistent, standardized way so that individual citizens, public agencies, and community organizations can independently analyze and interpret transportation data. Adherence to the Open Data Publication Procedures ensures that WSDOT’s open data assets are approved agency data resources that observe WSDOT policy and state and federal law.