Open Data
Open data is data that is freely available for anyone to access, use, reuse, and share, with minimal legal or technical restrictions. It is typically published in an open and machine-readable format, enabling the data to be easily processed, analysed, and reused.
Under Section 3(5) of Act No. 106/1999 Coll., on Free Access to Information, open data refers to information published in a way that enables remote access in an open and machine-readable format, without restrictions on its subsequent use, and registered in the National Open Data Catalogue.
What Makes Data “Open”?
- Accessible – available online
- Machine-readable – provided in a format that computers can process
- Reusable – permitted for further use
- Shareable – can be redistributed under clear conditions
- Clearly licensed – conditions for reuse are transparent
How to Use Open Data?
- Find datasets — Browse or search for relevant open datasets.
- Check the metadata and licence — Review information about the dataset, its source, quality, and conditions for reuse.
- Access the data — Download the dataset or access it through an API, where available.
- Cite the dataset — Properly acknowledge the dataset and its source in your research or other work.
- Share your results — Where possible, openly share your findings, analyses, and derived outputs.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Before publishing data, it is important to consider personal data protection, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, security, and other legal or ethical restrictions.
Not all research data can be made openly available. Personal, confidential, sensitive, and legally protected data must be handled responsibly and shared only where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open data always free?
- Yes, open data is free to access, but reuse conditions depend on the license.
Can personal data be open?
- No. Personal and sensitive data must be protected and are not published openly.
How do I cite open data?
- Each dataset includes a recommended citation format.
What if my data cannot be open?
- We support controlled access and FAIR-but-closed solutions where necessary.