Aug 7, 2010
Open Data For All (And Open Government)
StreetFilms has posted a fantastic clip outlining a perspective on open data. The short focuses on how individual developers and start-ups can use data from local government organizations to provide services like traffic updates, accident information, efficiencies and better citizen support.
I thought this piece was as interesting because it hit home, at a very basic level, how important open data architecture is. When you discuss the concepts of open data with a non-geek, it’s difficult to articulate how someone can use US Census data, Center for Disease Control Data or even your local Police Blotter data. There is no reason not to have this data available and when there is so much to be done with it.
Freely available data is also crucial from a governmental transparency perspective. The ability to map and process data real-time will extend the public’s ability to access and monitor occurrences that the government is unable or unwilling to do with their current resources. I’m hoping that this clip and sharing it will inspire and motivate developers, concepters and influencers to build something that is for a greater good and community.
