Open data is trending – but has still to leave the starting blocks | GeoConnexion

Activities surrounding Open Data are flourishing, from the municipal right up to the European regional level, yet we are still only picking the low-hanging fruit, says Daniel Katzer. He looks at how INTERGEO 2016 will showcase developments that signpost the way ahead  There has been heated and vigorous debate about Open Data for years. "While potential users have been calling for open and cost-free access to the latest, high-quality data – and preferably right across Europe – those who possess it have rather dragged their feet in an effort to retain data they consider their own.  Nowadays, there is no doubt that businesses and citizens want to use administrative data from local right up to European level. And things are beginning to happen. For a start, authorities now adhere to certain standards in storing their data in universally transferable formats. They also use metadata to ensure it can be readily found when required. More importantly, a service mentality has emerged along with the conviction that open data resources form the backbone of thriving business models ..."