The success of the Exchange Network depends in large part on Partners’ use of data standards-based XML schemas and other data exchange elements. Data standards are documented agreements on representations, formats, and definitions of common data. The Data Standards section of this website has more information on data standards including a list of approved and candidate State/Tribe/EPA data standards.

Data standards improve the quality and share-ability of environmental data by:

• Increasing data compatibility
• Improving the consistency and efficiency of data collection
• Reducing data redundancy

Environmental data standards provide a common vocabulary for Exchange Network partners. Developers should incorporate data standards in new data exchanges whenever possible.

Shared Schema Components (SSCs), are all built on environmental data standards. Network partners should use SSCs as a means of incorporating data standards without having to rewrite XML schema for commonly used data elements.