[ok-scotland] Cities and open data

Tue Jan 27 16:03:59 UTC 2015

Thanks Dave.

For this particular piece of work we are looking at data sets that are already collected but are not publically available. In part this is because we feel there is a stronger case for releasing them – there are no additional collection costs as the data is already held. All the data listed in table 1 of the document I attached is currently collected by Government but is not open to the general public. These are not taken from a particular list that cities publish, just from our general knowledge of data collection and/or conversations with organisations.

So we’re not looking for suggestions on data that organisations should start to collect but suggestions for existing datasets that it would be useful to have publically and freely available. We also want  to gauge the level of support for existing data that Centre for Cities feels should be prioritised for release i.e. would others use this data if published and how.

Hopefully that’s clearer!

Thanks,
Maire

From: ok-scotland [mailto:ok-scotland-bounces at lists.okfn.org] On Behalf Of David Stafford
Sent: 27 January 2015 14:58
To: ok-scotland at lists.okfn.org
Subject: Re: [ok-scotland] Cities and open data

Hello Maire,

Can I just interject, one thing I did not see in your list, which is - what the proviso would be in a situation where you identify your "list of key data sets that we (you) and others would like to see prioritised for release" what is the proviso, when one or more of the desired data sets simply does not exist at some, many, or even all of the cities in question - or, are you talking about choosing from lists of existing datasets already published by these cities (which, if I had to guess - mostly do not exist???).

I just wondered - I think it's an important point, you can't easily prioritise something that literally does not exist :-)  - as you know.

So I personally, would have written this list:

1)      If the specific datasets mentioned would be of interest to you / your organisation and how you would use them

2)      Other city level data you / your organisation would like to see prioritised for release and why

This way, instead:

1)         Does this information exist at the city level in the 64 cities we are interested in?  If not, how will we proceed for items / data sets that we want, but, that do not exist?

2)         If the specific datasets mentioned would be of interest to you / your organisation and how you would use them?

3)        Other city level data you / your organisation would like to see prioritised for release and why - again, if extant?

Just a thought, I could be way off the mark, and if I am - my apologies.

I would never assume that data is there, unless you've checked - in which case, then it's just not clear in the email that you are working from a list of existing data sets.

All the very best,

Dave Stafford

>>> Maire Williams <M.Williams at centreforcities.org<mailto:M.Williams at centreforcities.org>> 27/01/2015 13:54 >>>
Hi all,

I’ve just joined this mailing list and wanted to introduce myself and ask for feedback on a project I’m working on. I work as a researcher at Centre for Cities, which looks at the economic performance of the UKs 64 largest cities. We’re interested in open data as the amount of timely, robust data available at a city level is limited, and this impacts on our and Governments ability to understand the issues individuals cities face and develop efficient policies that overcome these. We published a report outlining the benefits from open data policies to cities  (http://www.centreforcities.org/publication/open-data-or-closed-doors/) and are now building on this to come up with a list of key data sets that we and others would like to see prioritised for release.

I’ve attached a short note that outlines what data we would like to see prioritised for release and why. It would be great if you could have a read through and get back to me with comments on:

1)      If the specific datasets mentioned would be of interest to you / your organisation and how you would use them

2)      Other city level data you / your organisation would like to see prioritised for release and why

Our aim is to come up with a short list of key data sets that we would then campaign for the relevant parties to release.

Any feedback you have would be appreciated,

Many thanks,
Maire

Maire Williams
Researcher
@WilliamsMaire<https://twitter.com/WilliamsMaire>
Centre for Cities, Enterprise House, 59-65 Upper Ground, London. SE1 9PQ

Visit us: centreforcities.org<http://www.centreforcities.org/> | Follow us: @centreforcities<http://twitter.com/centreforcities> | Data about your city: citiesoutlook.org<http://www.citiesoutlook.org/>
Our General Election campaign, Think Cities: thinkcities.org.uk<http://www.thinkcities.org.uk/> or follow: @thinkcitiesuk

Centre for Cities is a registered charity (No 1119841) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England (No 6215397)

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