[open-government] Open Data API?

Thu Aug 18 10:55:49 UTC 2011

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

Yes I'm sure static data is fine in many scenarios, if as you say it
doesn't change much over time, however by definition that leaves the
second group, data that does change frequently. It's helpful to know
transit routes but even more if you can see exactly where/when your next
tram arrives.

Ok, so actually it's quite simple? Ie:

1. The API, which is a technology piece, sourced by whatever means
relevant to the platform

2. The Open Data Licence - The rights to use that data.

Would existing licences cover this source of data the same way?

Neil.

> On 18 August 2011 08:14, Neil McEvoy <neil at mcevoy.biz> wrote:
>> As I understand it the basic mechanic of Open Data is to 'extract and
>> publish', which means the issue is the data is static and aging.
>
> Two quick notes:
>
> For most data, being static is fine. For example, senor readings wont
> change over time. So, fear not if you've been handed a spreadsheet or
> a zip archive with historical time series data.
>
> "aging" is also not the correct term to be using here. Yes, data often
> relate to a point in time. However, that doesn't mean that data are
> less capable of being interpreted over time.
>
>> I've heard of an 'Open Data API', so you're accessing the data directly.
>>
>> Is there such a thing, any more info on this?
>
> There are many places purporting to be open data APIs. This guide may
> help to show what the term means:
> http://mixandmash.org.nz/the-competition/mashup-guide/getting-started-with-an-api
>
> It's very difficult to give a uniform definition for the term API,
> because it is sort of an umbrella term for when one application opens
> itself to another. Here is one attempt for WWW connected devices: "An
> API is a way for two computer programmes to communicate. Rather than
> using a search box to ask a site where some content is, software can
> ask the site directly."
>
> APIs are very useful for retrieving very up-to-date data. That is, it
> will often allow you to access material that is not yet archived.
>
> Does this go some way to answering your question?
>
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>

-- 
Neil McEvoy
Founder
Cloud Best Practices Network
http://mcevoy.biz