Mr Rich-Phillips said that spatial data, or information that identifies the geographic location of features and boundaries, is now available at
www.data.vic.gov.au – the directory that provides Victorians with centralised and greater access to government data.
“This initial release in multiple formats – including the underlying raw data – has opened up more than 400 datasets,” Mr Rich-Phillips said. “This first stage of spatial data release includes Local Government, electoral, urban growth and planning scheme boundaries, rail network and relief contour data and parks and conservation areas.”
Incorporating spatial data as part of data.vic.gov.au is a top priority of the Coalition Government’s ICT Strategy – a 50-point action plan that focuses on the delivery of better services, reducing waste, encouraging innovation and improving ICT procurement across government.
With changing expectations around open data, the Coalition Government is linking information sources together and broadening the content available in the pool – making it easier to tailor and use the data specific to their needs.
Mr Rich-Phillips said the Coalition Government is committed to ensuring that all Victorians have access to the most up-to-date, high-quality data and information that is relevant to our State.
“Making the data freely available in multiple formats demonstrates the principles of the Coalition Government’s DataVic Access policy, to make data accessible in formats that promote its reuse and aids discovery,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“Released in August 2012 the DataVic Access Policy promotes the importance of sharing government data at no or minimal, cost to users.
“The Policy is progressively delivering changes to the previously restrictive licensing arrangements around the release of data, including versatile and highly valued spatial data.
“Changes to data.vic.gov.au mean that Victorians can now access more than 900 free data sets, meaning we are on track to meet our 1,000 data set target by September 2013.
“Providing open access to government data not only helps drive innovation and create new business opportunities but it will also enable the development of new products and services.
“The data.vic.gov.au website is also helping to improve efficiency and effectiveness of government by encouraging better data management practices and providing a better range of data for government decision making.”
