Open-source data—be it a compilation of informative files, a crucial API that bring together different features or downloadable yearly Census Bureau data—can be an important resource for bootstrapped startups looking for a leg up in the development stages. That's why we spoke with Esri, a mapping technology data firm with a sizable office in D.C., who recently helped the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unload a ton of open-source, mapping datasets for public use.
The move comes as a part of another, larger initiative launched by the White House called "The Opportunity Project," which aims to leverage data about the public to better inform citizens about business, housing, transportation and employment opportunities, among other things.
The roughly 275 datasets offered up by the DHS in coordination with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and uploaded by Esri relate to another project tied to homeland security. This broad homeland security project will assist local government, state emergency centers, neighborhood organization and other to be prepared and proactive in the face of national security concerns, said Esri CTO Andrew Turner.
The project is called Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data Working Group (HIFLD Open).
"HIFLD Open provides public access to more than 250 dynamic web services as well as up-to-date downloadable files and visualization tools. Great apps need great data. The wealth and variety of dynamic data provides the foundation for mobile app developers to create focused solutions for a broad range of users," Turner told DC Inno.
What we've learned in recent disasters, Turner explained, is that the majority of the public is unaware of evacuation routes and emergency shelters in times of distress. By applying mapping data and creating a platform to visualize all this information, like Esri has done, a person could more easily understand where specific infrastructure is located. For example, local communities can find critical resources such as alternative fueling stations and to find publicly accessible refrigerated warehouses if there is a need to keep vital materials cold during an emergency.
"Startups are huge innovators in business and government"
Interestingly, much of this data is already circulated between multiple agencies and local governments but it has long been privately held. Today, that standard has changed and it could consequentially empower a number of startups.
Categories or areas of focus with this data attached include mapping of agriculture, educational facilities, energy infrastructure, mining operations, natural hazards and water treatment centers, among others.
"Startups are huge innovators in business and government. The HIFLD Open data provides a real catalyst for useful products to be developed. For example, data such as Alternative Fueling Stations can be used in an app that helps local government users evaluate transit infrastructure investments, as well as fuel availability during manmade and natural disasters. Data in Shipping Infrastructure could be used by commercial entities to access goods transportation and so on," explained Turner.
He added, "everyone can benefit; from state agencies, city law enforcement, businesses and community groups. We also have a real opportunity to set a precedent to other agencies across Federal, State, and Local levels to join in the effort to make data more freely accessible."
