UK.gov appeals for developers to mashup 1,000 datasets

UK.gov is calling on developers to consult the Cabinet Office on its prototype website that will open some government datasets to the public.

It wants the developer community to get involved in shaping what apps, data sources and features the website should contain.

“With over 1,000 existing data sets, from seven departments (brought together in re-useable form for the first time) and community resources, we want developers to work with us to use the data to create great applications; give us feedback on the early operational community; and tell us how to develop what we have into a single point of access for government-held public data,” reads a post on the government’s digital engagement blog.

The planned site also nods happily in the direction of the US government’s data.gov web portal that was launched in May to serve as a central repository for citizens to gain access to government data.

The blog added that UK.gov had been inspired by initiatives outside of government to “code a better Britain”, with the likes of MySociety, Power of Information Taskforce and Rewired State websites being created by the developer community.

And following the recent MP expenses scandal, it’s hardly surprising to see the government trying to appear more transparent about what goes on in Whitehall.

Developers interested in the project should join the UK government data developers group via Google Groups. ®