Normalize source data
Make inconsistent values and structures more consistent before reuse.
Desired outcome
Data that follows agreed naming and formatting conventions.
Explore from the outcome
Where this function can lead
These documented connections are starting points for selection, not a ranked list.
Ways to do it
Methods that can help achieve this outcome.
- Interactive data cleaning
Review and transform inconsistent values through an inspectable sequence of edits.
Link evidence: Transforming data
Tools and services
Software or services that can put a method to work.
- OpenRefine
Tool for cleaning, transforming, and reconciling tabular data.
Link evidence: Transforming data
Typical inputs
- Messy or inconsistent source records
Typical outputs
- Cleaned and transformed records
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-09-30