Open data portals around Europe: Estonia supporting open data usage for research and data-driven decisions

Estonia’s open data portal, avaandmed.eesti, is a comprehensive portal designed to provide unrestricted access to public sector data. Their initiative aims to enhance transparency, foster innovation, and support both commercial and non-commercial use of data. The portal offers a user-friendly interface where individuals and organisations can easily search, access, and utilise a wide range of datasets. 

The portal is structured to facilitate easy navigation and data retrieval of the 1900 datasets available. Users can browse datasets by categories such as environment, economy, and health, or use the search function to find specific data. Each dataset is accompanied by metadata that provides detailed information about the data’s source, format, and update frequency. This ensures that users have all the necessary context to effectively use the data. 

One of the key features of the Estonian open data portal is its API access, which allows developers to integrate data directly into their applications and services. Additionally, the portal offers a section on use cases, which shows real-life applications from institutions and individuals. For example, there is a visualisation of forest change or an Estonian 3D twin that visualises construction works throughout the county. Another feature is the manuals page, which offers users instructions on how to use open datasets, like the Open Data Licensing Guide.  

The portal also emphasises community engagement and feedback. Users can rate datasets, provide feedback, and suggest new datasets, fostering a collaborative environment where the quality and relevance of data can continuously improve. By making public sector data readily accessible and usable, Estonia’s open data portal is a step towards a more transparent and data-driven society. 

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