Open Data

The following are links to selected global, national, and local government 'Open Data' sources and associated tools from around the world: Videos

  • American FactFinder - The U.S. Census Bureau provides access to population, housing, economics, and other information from the decennial census and various surveys they conduct.

  • CropLife International Database - Facts & figures relating to agriculture and the plant science industry, food security, climate change, economics, etc.

  • Data.Gov - Providing open access to datasets that are generated and/or held by the U.S. Government.

  • DataVisualization - Provides links to a wide selection of high quality free and open 'data visualization' software tools.

  • EU Open Data Portal - Provides access to open public data from European Union (EU) institutions, bodies, offices and agencies.

  • Google Public Data Explorer - Making large public datasets easy to explore, visualize and communicate.

  • IFC Global Economic Data - An array of global economic data for researchers, policy makers, and others.

  • NationMaster - Compilation of statistics from such sources as the CIA, UN, WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank, etc.

  • Ocean Data.Gov - Portal to 'open' databases than can help us in planning for the future of our oceans, coast, and Great Lakes.

  • Open Data for Africa - The Africa Development Bank (AfDB) has launched an open data platform for African countries.

  • Open Data Development - Developing a research network focussed on the impacts of open data in developing countries.

    • Open Data Watch - International, non-profit monitoring open data policies, measuring their success and impact, sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and offering strategic advice and practical assistance to other organizations.

  • Socrata - Provider of a widely-adopted Open Data platform or solution for use by federal, state, and local governments.

  • Stats America - Providing information on hundreds of economic and demographic indicators for states & communities across the U.S.

  • StateHealthFacts - Kaiser Foundation web site providing free, up-to-date, and easy-to-use data on the health of all 50 states in the U.S.

  • U.N. Statistical Databases - An Internet-baseddata service bringing UN statistical databases within reach of users around the globe.

  • USASpending.Gov - Provides the public with information about how their U.S. tax dollars are spent.

  • World Bank: Open Solutions - Open Development, Open Data, & Open Knowledge tools available from the World Bank.

* Other government 'Open Data' portals of note include, e.g. Canada's Open Data Portal, U.K. Open Data Portal, Open NY State, and other International Sites.

The goal of open data is nothing more complex than the use of information & technology to better serve the public. Open data can serve as an engine to drive public participation, spur economic growth, and more effectively fight corruption and crime.

* Check out the DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Security Report,

** Try the new Google Fusion Tables & collaborative software tools for 'open data'

*** Also try Data.Gov Government Apps

Open Data can be defined as 'selected data' that should be made freely available to everyone to use and republish as they wish, without restrictions from copyright, patents or other excessive control mechanisms.

Emerging 'Open Data' Industry

Re-use of public sector information means using it in new ways by adding value to it, combining information from different sources, making mash-ups and new applications, both for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Public sector information has great economic potential - providing citizens and organizations with information they need, as well as creating many new jobs and companies.

'Open Data' Organizations

* Also check out The Open Data Handbook

If you would like to suggest new material or links to be added to this

web site, please email groenpj@cs.com