Common Operational Datasets

Process

How a COD-AB dataset is produced, updated and published, from the twice-yearly review through to release on HDX.

First draft reviewed by UN80 Data QuintJuly 2026

Purpose & scope

This document defines the standard operating procedure for producing, updating, and publishing COD-AB (Common Operational Dataset, Administrative Boundaries) datasets. It covers the full workflow from request intake through publication and closeout.

How the process works

When there is an OCHA presence with IM capacity, OCHA coordinates in-country with partners to identify a candidate dataset for submission as a COD. Where there is not, coordination will occur at the COD-AB working groupCOD-AB Working Group: the agencies that manage COD-AB together (OCHA, WFP, UNICEF, UNHCR and IOM). level to identify the agency with the strongest capacity that takes the lead in this process. The headquarters of the associated agency coordinates with that country office before that dataset is brought to the COD-AB working group for review.

This process describes the normal update process after the baseline v1 dataset has been released from the consolidation of existing data. All agencies will send out the form to their offices for subsequent release after they assemble a full contact list of focal points. The focal point which reaches back becomes the agency to conduct the next update cycle. If they are unable to provide data / capacity after the review period expires, the working group attempts to find an alternative.

The COD-AB process comprises of 5 main stages:

  1. Initialization A survey is received, the workspace is set up to accept the request when data is ready.
  2. CO Review country office consults with the government to receive the correct dataset.
  3. HQ Review dataset shared with HQ has data cleaning and standards applied.
  4. WG Review rest of the working group review the submission against their own knowledge.
  5. Publication data is packaged and distributed across all channels, updates are communicated.

Roles:

  • Agency Country Focal Point - submits the form and provides the data if available
  • COD-AB WG Member - agency HQ focal point / representative or alternative
  • OCHA IMO
  • Data Provider - Agency Country Focal Point who submits the selected data source nominated as a Candidate

In this document