The standards listed in this section contain over 1200 pages with definitions, guidelines, parameters, instructive examples, and graphics which contribute to a clear, useful, and extensible understanding of each term used in collecting data related to buildings. Everything which is entered in the Emporis database is defined here, including technical data and descriptive properties of buildings, company roles and contact data, and all sorts of geographic entities.

You can find any topic using the search box on the Standards home page or on the page of any particular standard. Simply type the name of the topic, the ESN (Emporis Standards Number), or a keyword used in its abstract. You can also navigate from a general topic (e.g. Structures, Companies, Geography) down to a more specific topic using the terms in the navigation frame. (Any available subtopics are listed under the abstract of each Emporis Standard page.)

Emporis has written its standards for four major audiences: (1) for the general public, as a source of interesting and useful information; (2) for its customers, to clarify what data they are looking at; (3) for its own editors, in order to keep data consistent; and (4) for professionals in building-related industries, so they can see how we categorize and define various terms applicable to them.

Each standard includes a brief abstract - a text which summarizes the definition in about one line. This enables users to get a quick idea of the term's meaning without examining all of its nuances. The abstract can also be used in technological applications which use Emporis Standards, e.g. as an aid to persons reading a data export or collecting data in each field.

Emporis has always made every effort to keep its standards consistent with existing and emerging international norms. It cooperates with recognized international organizations and various building-industry associations to ensure that its standards are interoperable with other data users. Many of the fields Emporis collects have never been standardized before, and in these areas Emporis leads the way in forging new standards that can be applied effectively across national boundaries. It is also important for us to set standards which can be applied well into the future, because once data collection begins it becomes very difficult to adjust existing data to revised standards.

The input of experts and professionals in building related fields has been extremely valuable to Emporis in assembling its standards, and we still actively seek advice from experienced persons in all relevant fields. If you see an area where you could contribute your knowledge, either by refining the definition, adding new categories, or providing new examples, your contribution is more than welcome. Please submit your topic and contact information to the Emporis Data Team.