Column Description Guidance for Data.wa.gov Publishers

This table provides guidance on key elements of good column descriptions, which are required metadata on data.wa.gov.

You can download a Column Description Worksheet (which includes this guidance) from this dataset’s Attachments.

Guidance for generating other metadata (e.g., Title, Brief Description, Tags) can be found at https://data.wa.gov/Open-Data-Program-Documentation/General-Metadata-Guidance-for-Data-wa-gov-Publishe/5qzb-d5hq

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Source https://data.wa.gov/resource/u3e5-g5ig
Author Washington State Open Data Program
Last Updated April 26, 2026, 23:28 (UTC)
Created July 22, 2025, 20:04 (UTC)
1. Column descriptions ideally address all of the elements described in this table, and run up to about 50 words. If you need more than that, consider elaborating in a Note or Attachment.
2. Guidance for generating other metadata (e.g., Title, Brief Description, Tags) can be found at https://data.wa.gov/Open-Data-Program-Documentation/General-Metadata-Guidance-for-Data-wa-gov-Publishe/5qzb-d5hq
3. Special guidance for External Links: Although data hosted elsewhere will not have columns to define on data.wa.gov, be sure that users can easily find explanations for any fields and other essential information about the data source. External Link pages have separate fields for data dictionaries. Publishers may also attach dictionaries or other essential documentation as an Attachment, or provide the information in a Note.
4. Need more help? Contact your Open Data Program staff! (Click on the Contact Dataset Owner button.)
Category Open Data Program Documentation
Metadata Language English
Period of Time August 22, 2022 to present
Posting Frequency as needed
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harvest_source_id c4128faf-39ff-4aa3-918e-8a395702cab3
harvest_source_title washington-state