7.3.3 Preparing Data for Sharing, Reporting and Visualization

7.3.3

Preparing Data for Sharing, Reporting and Visualization


Establishing a standard process to prepare data for sharing, reporting and visualization can make sure that data is publication-ready: quality checked, tested and documented.


A standard data preparation process should be used before moving data to any official reporting source – whether it is a data warehouse, a geodatabase, or a file uploaded to an open data portal.

A data preparation process might use the following checklist:

  • Is the data derived from a designated authoritative source system?
  • Have data quality checks been applied?
  • Has metadata for the data set been prepared, including explanation of the data source, date of last update?
  • Is an individual or business unit identified for data users to contact for further information?
  • Is an individual or business unit identified for reporting database or system managers to contact regarding any issues that arise?
  • Has metadata for the data elements included been prepared (data dictionary)?
  • Has the metadata been reviewed for completeness and quality?
  • Has a data owner or steward signed off on the data publication?

Ohio DOT

Data-driven decision making can be defined as:

“An approach to business governance or operations which values decisions supported with verifiable data. The success of the data-driven approach is reliant upon the quality of the data gathered and the effectiveness of its analysis and interpretation”