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Basic public data

Basic public data comprises the most fundamental information about our society. This includes data on individuals, properties, addresses, businesses, and geography. It is data used by many authorities across the public sector and is also made freely available to the private sector.

Basic public data is high-quality data with consistent standards, enabling it to be combined and used across systems and sectors. For example, authorities often need to combine citizens’ personal identification numbers (CPR) with addresses, and this can be done simply and easily because both are different types of basic public data adhering to the same standards.

The Danish Agency for Climate Data as the Basic Public Data Authority

As the basic public data authority, The Danish Agency for Climate Data has overall responsibility for the work relating to basic public data.

The Agency coordinates basic public data collaboration and provides secretarial support to both the steering group and its underlying forums. Responsibility for the distribution, maintenance, and further development of basic public data, as well as strategic dialogue with users, also lies with The Danish Agency for Climate Data.

In addition to being the overall authority for basic public data, The Danish Agency for Climate Data is also the authority for a range of datasets that constitute basic public data. This includes geographic data such as maps, aerial photographs, and the Danish Elevation Model.

The Danish Agency for Climate Data is also responsible for data on place names, the Danish Administrative Geographical Division (DAGI) – Danmarks Administrative Geografiske Inddeling, and address data, covering all addresses registered in Denmark and used by almost all public authorities.

Distribution of Basic Public Data

Basic public data is distributed via The Danish Data Distribution Platform – commonly known as Datafordeleren. The Danish Agency for Climate Data is responsible for the operation and development of the platform.

The proper functioning of the platform is critical for the case management of multiple public authorities, as well as the business operations of private companies. Stability and security in data distribution are therefore paramount. Furthermore, it is essential that the data is accurate and up-to-date.

Individual register authorities are responsible for ensuring the data’s accuracy. Loading, updating, and publishing the data occurs in close coordination between the register authority and The Danish Agency for Climate Data.

 

Development of Basic Public Data

With Denmark’s Digitalisation Strategy, presented in November 2023, a decision was made to future-proof basic public data as a cornerstone of the public data foundation.

Basic public data forms the foundation for a wide range of digital solutions in the Danish welfare society and the private sector. An efficient public sector and the realisation of business opportunities depend on the quality of basic public data. Therefore, efforts are being launched to future-proof basic public data.