The London's Datastore

18 January 2010, 10:15am

The London Datastore has been created by the Greater London Authority (GLA) as a first step towards freeing London’s data. We want everyone to be able access the data that the GLA and other public sector organisations hold, and to use that data however they see fit – for free. The GLA is committed to using its connections and influence to request and cajole other public sector organisations into releasing their data here too, and it’s an objective backed strongly by Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.

Releasing data though is just half the battle. Raw data often doesn’t tell you anything until it has been presented in a meaningful way and most people don’t have the tools to do this. That’s why we joined up with 4iP who have created a Developers’ Fund to encourage the masses of technical talent that we have in London to transform rows of text and numbers into Facebook apps, websites or mobile products which people can actually find useful.

The site today is a working prototype but we’ll be launching a more refined product at the end of January 2010 with around 200 data packages and an improved user experience. In the mean time, we want to hear your ideas and feedback so join the conversation on Twitter or Google Groups, or email us at datastore@london.gov.uk. Got a question? Check out the FAQs.

See the two YouTube videos

GeoConnexion UK