What is a data standard?
Data standards are the guidelines for structuring, describing, and recording data. In many ways they are like a template used to ensure we can share, exchange, combine and understand data. Both data format and meaning must be standardized for us to effectively communicate and collaborate.
Often there is confusion between data standards and data that conforms to a standard. They really are different things. Data following a standard meet the standard’s structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure , format, and meaning. They meet the standard’s expectations. On the other hand, a standard defines those expectations by carefully detailing data structure, format and meaning.