FAQs

Answers to common questions about California open data and this portal.

All documentation

Find answers about open data, datasets, APIs, and how to get help.

Understanding open data

What is Open Data?

Open data is public data gathered by the State through its routine work and published in a format that is easy to search, download, and combine with other sources. It does not include private or confidential information about individuals.

What is the difference between a dataset and data or a resource in data.ca.gov?

A dataset is a container for its data and resources. Those resources can include raw data tables, data dictionaries, and other metadata.

What is the difference between data and information?

Data are facts or details. They become useful information when context and a clear format help people understand what those facts mean.

What is an API?

An application programming interface, or API, lets software exchange data directly over the internet. An app can request the records it needs without downloading a whole dataset, helping it use the latest available data.

Finding data

I'm looking for a dataset that I don't see on the portal. Do you have it?

If a dataset is not listed in the data.ca.gov catalog, it may not be available here. Check State Portals for other California data sources that may have it.

Feedback and support

How do we submit feedback, comments or report potential data issues?

Use Contact Us to share feedback or report a potential data issue. Include the dataset or resource link and a short description so the team can identify it.