How Statistical Agencies Use DDI

Why DDI?

Statistical agencies play a crucial role in collecting, processing, and disseminating high-quality data to inform public policy and research.  DDI provides a standardized approach to describing these data, ensuring consistency, interoperability, and long-term usability.

How DDI Helps Statistical Agencies

• Standardizes Metadata: SDDI helps agencies consistently document surveys, variables, methods, and classifications -- making data more transparent and easier to manage over time. 
• Enables Data Interoperability and Integration: With machine-readable, standards-based metadata, DDI makes it easier to combine and share data from surveys, censuses, and administrative sources -- both nationally and internationally. 
• Supports Longitudinal and Historical Comparisons: DDI tracks changes in variables and methods across time, helping agencies harmonize data and support reliable historical comparisons. 
• Enhances Data Access: DDI powers search catalogs and detailed documentation, making data easier to find, understand, and reuse by researchers and the public.
• Automates Workflows: By embedding metadata into processes, DDI reduces manual effort through automation of documentation, validation, and data release tasks. 

How to Get Started

1. Assess Your Metadata needs -- Conduct an inventory of your current metadata structures and workflows.  Determine which parts of your data lifecycle (e.g., collection, processing, dissemination) would benefit most from DDI.
2. Review Case Studies -- Review case studies of other statistical agencies using DDI.
3. Leverage Tools and Resources -- Explore DDI-compliant tools.