koodistossa

Koodistossa is a term used in the Finnish public sector to describe data that is stored in or described by a koodisto, a standardized list of codes. Koodistot are sets of codes and their meanings that are designed to enable consistent data exchange and interpretation across different information systems. The phrase koodistossa is commonly used to indicate that a particular item or data element is defined within or mapped to a code list.

Purpose and use

The main goal of koodistot is to ensure semantic interoperability between organizations and services. By using predefined codes for concepts such as locations, document types, statuses, or classifications, systems can communicate with clearer, machine-readable meaning. Koodistossa data supports accurate reporting, filtering, validation, and multilingual presentation, reducing ambiguity in data exchange.

Structure and maintenance

A koodisto typically consists of one or more codes, each with a value and a human- readable description. Codes may be accompanied by metadata such as translations, validity periods, and version information. Koodistot are versioned to manage changes over time, allowing older data to remain interpretable while new codes or updated meanings are introduced. The maintenance of koodisto content is usually coordinated by public-sector bodies or shared services to ensure consistency across services.

Accessibility and implementation

The central registry or service that hosts koodistot is designed to be accessible to governmental information systems and, where appropriate, external partners. Access is often provided via web interfaces or APIs to retrieve code lists, definitions, and related metadata. In practice, koodistossa data is reused across applications and e-services to support reliable, interoperable digital government.