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List data in the BC Data Catalogue

Last updated on July 3, 2024

Data providers can list data and metadata in the Catalogue. Learn about how to include data in the BC Data Catalogue.

Open the BC Data Catalogue

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Listing your metadata in the BC Data Catalogue is a great way to ensure it complies with the Core Metadata Standard and supporting guidelines. 

Become a data provider

A data provider, also known as an editor, is someone who creates and manages metadata and data for an organization in the BC Data Catalogue. This role is usually someone who works for the organization but could be extended to others if they are stewards for the organization.

A data provider needs an editor account for the catalogue. This provides access to creating a searchable metadata record and uploading data in the catalogue. An editor has the responsibility of maintaining records and data on behalf of the data custodian.

Request an editor account

Step 1: Get approval

You will need approval from the data custodian to become an editor. The custodian may be a director or executive director of a branch.

Step 2: Submit your request

Open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system for a new account. Requests can be made for yourself or on behalf of others.

Include the information below in your request:

  • Subject: “BCDC Account” + additional details - will aid for quick triaging.
  • Full name and email
  • IDIR
    • This can be a user IDIR or a Service IDIR
    • A Service IDIR may be ideal for the maintenance workflow to script against the Catalogue API
  • Name of the Ministry or if a Broader Public Sector
  • Name of your Branch/Division - this is usually the level associated with an ED or Director
  • Approval from the Data Custodian (Director or Executive Director)

List or edit data for another organization

It is common for organizations to have staff in another organization or branch steward their data. 

You can become a data provider to the catalogue on behalf of another custodian by following the process above and including what the editor will be steward.

Licensing options for government data

For the reproduction of materials found in the BC Data Catalogue, either a licence agreement (as specified in the BC Data Catalogue) will apply, or the materials are open.

Access Only

​ "Access Only" materials mean reproduction is not permitted without written permission. 

  • To request permission, complete the Copyright Permission Request Form.
    • If a licence agreement applies, permission is subject to the terms of the specified licence.

Open Government Licence

BC Government owned data can be published under the Open Government Licence - British Columbia. This licence lets anyone use or re-purpose data free of charge under a few conditions.  To ensure the licence is correct for the needs of the business and data.

A dataset must:

  • Contain no personal information
  • Be under the intellectual property of the Province
  • Not be under any legal, contractual or policy constraints
  • Be publicly releasable
  • Not be for sale
  • Have at least one dataset available in an open format
  • Have a published metadata record in the BC Data Catalogue

To consider listing data under the open government licence, Data Custodians are requested to complete the Open Data Assessment checklist. This will determine if the data and metadata record meet the requirements of the Open Information and Open Data Policy (PDF, 484KB).

Open data assessment process

Step 1: Complete checklist

Step 2: Assess data

Determine if the data meets the Open Information and Open Data Policy

  • Contact the Intellectual Property Program to assist with copyright checks
  • Contact the Legal Service Branch to assist with legal reviews or advice
  • Contact your Information Security Officer (MISO) to assist with security controls
  • Contact your Government Communications and Public Engagement ministry contact to assist with any public relations advice

Step 3: Get approval

Get approvals from:

  • Data Custodian 
  • Deputy Minister or delegate

Step 4: Submit

Send and attach the assessment to a request ticket in the Data Systems & Service Request system

Crown Corporations and B.C. Agencies data requirements

The broader public sector can publish records but cannot use the Open Government Licence. They are required to have their own Open Data licence.

Technical resources

BC Data Catalogue technical resources are available on GitHub to help data publishers share their data in the BC Data Catalogue

Contact us

Submit feedback, request more information, or get help through the Data Systems and Services request system.