Checklist
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.
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?