Biggest Infrastructure Projects
website , which
uses a cached online community
basemap built from leading data
sources such as Natural Resources
Canada.
Joining the program also helps
justify an open data initiative to
elected officials. It can be a challenge
to illustrate the value of posting
downloadable GIS data on its own.
Its value becomes much clearer
when shown in the context of usable,
authoritative maps that address key
municipal concerns, such as public
safety, innovation facilitation, or
economic development.
Whether distributing open data
through community maps or serving
it directly through a municipal web
portal, the value of GIS in enabling
an open government is apparent.
However, the success of open data
initiatives is dependent on how
the data is used by the public and
commercial sector. We now see
innovative uses of open data –
from community maps to traffic
restrictions maps – providing direct
benefit back to the contributor. GIS
is the platform that's revolutionizing
the way governments and citizens
communicate, enabling them to work
together in addressing community
challenges. MW
June 2011 Municipal World 17
