Despite being very different projects Wikidata and OpenStreetmap have a number of similarities. Recurring patterns in how they organise and support the work of their communities. We documented a number of these patterns in the ODI Collaborative Maintenance Guidebook. There were also a number we didn't get time to write-up. A further pattern which I … Continue reading Schema explorers and how they can help guide adoption of common standards
Year: 2021
Building data validators
This is a post about building tools to validate data. I wanted to share a few reflections based on helping to design and build a few different public and private tools, as well as my experience as a user. I like using data validators to check my homework. I've been using a few different recently … Continue reading Building data validators
New job: (Part time) CTO at EnergySparks
As I wrote in my recent reflections about the range of projects I helped to deliver during my time at the Open Data Institute and beyond, I've been thinking about the type of work I want to be doing in the future. Most of the last few years has been very focused on research and … Continue reading New job: (Part time) CTO at EnergySparks
Some lessons learned from building standards around Schema.org
OpenActive is a community-led initiative in the sport and physical activity sector in England. It's goal is to help to get people healthier and more active by making its easier for people to find information about activities and events happening in their area. Publishing open data about opportunities to be active is a key part … Continue reading Some lessons learned from building standards around Schema.org
The UK Smart Meter Data Ecosystem
Disclaimer: this blog post is about my understanding of the UK's smart meter data ecosystem and contains some opinions about how it might evolve. These do not in any way reflect those of Energy Sparks of which I am a trustee. This blog post is an introduction to the UK's smart meter data ecosystem. It … Continue reading The UK Smart Meter Data Ecosystem
Examples of data ecosystem mapping
This blog post is basically a mood board showing some examples of how people are mapping data ecosystems. I wanted to record a few examples and highlight some of the design decisions that goes into creating a map. A data ecosystem consists of data infrastructure, and the people, communities and organisations that benefit from the … Continue reading Examples of data ecosystem mapping
12 ways to improve the GDS guidance on reference data publishing
GDS have published some guidance about publishing reference data for reuse across government. I've had a read and it contains a good set of recommendations. But some of them could be clearer. And I feel like some important areas aren't covered. So I thought I'd write this post to capture my feedback. Like the original … Continue reading 12 ways to improve the GDS guidance on reference data publishing
OSM Queries
For the past month I've been working on a small side project which I'm pleased to launch for Open Data Day 2021. I've long been a fan of OpenStreetMap. I've contributed to the map, coordinated a local crowd-mapping project and used OSM tiles to help build web based maps. But I've only done a small … Continue reading OSM Queries
The data we use in Energy Sparks
Disclaimer: this blog post is about some of the challenges that we have faced in consuming and using data in Energy Sparks. While I am a trustee of the Energy Sparks application, and am currently working with the team on some improvements to the application, this blog post are my own opinions. Energy Sparks is … Continue reading The data we use in Energy Sparks
Bath Historical Images
One of my little side projects is to explore historical images and maps of Bath and the surrounding areas. I like understanding the contrast between how Bath used to look and how it is today. It's grown and changed a huge amount over the years. It gives me a strong sense of place and history. … Continue reading Bath Historical Images
Lost Boy 