The London Datastore, the online platform set up in 2010 as a data-sharing resource to help tackle issues such as road congestion and air quality, must increase the variety and volume of information available to ensure it is fit for purpose for the next decade and beyond.
That is just one of six recommendations contained in a new report by the Open Data Institute, commissioned by the Greater London Authority to form its future strategy.
Designed to make data about the capital freely available, the Datacentre currently has around 60,000 users each month and over 4,000 datasets available for download under an open licence, with another 2,000 datasets shared on the platform.
It has been used to create tools such as the London Rents Map, the Schools Atlas and the Cultural Infrastructure Map.
Through research, interviews, workshops and a survey, the ODI gathered many insights about the needs of data stewards and users, and the potential of enabling better access to high-quality, relevant and timely data.
The recommended actions also include: improving the findability of datasets so that people can access the data they need; showcasing data reuse; documenting best practices; championing standards adoption and development; and encouraging and facilitating collaboration across the many agencies, local authorities and other data stewards in and about London.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “London is considered one of the world’s leading smart cities because we have an enviable track record of using data to solve everyday problems.
“By responsibly opening up a huge amount of data held by our public sector partners and working with London’s brilliant tech sector, we’re helping tackle some of the most urgent challenges facing our city as it grows.
“The next step is to create a shared approach for the city so we can all benefit from the innovation this will bring – while using the data we hold on Londoners’ behalf transparently, safely and securely.”
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