OPEN SPATIAL DATA FOR DECISION MAKING - REQUIREMENTS AND QUALITATIVE CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract

Open data play an increasing role in various societal fields, administration, economy, science and others. This concerns also open, spatial data which can be used in space-related decision-making. Open spatial data will be introduced as an important source of information. However, open spatial data must meet specific qualitative requirements. Pros and Cons will be identified and recommendations will be given which characteristics should be considered when using such data. The experiences described are based on the results of a transdisciplinary project that was aimed at deciding on prioritized climate change adaptation measures. captured, exhaust, transient and derived data, and others, as Kitchin (2014) proposes such categories. The paper will summarize some benefits, as well as risks of applying open data. It will describe an example that explains difficulties and opportunities of developing a Web-based, online mapping system that includes, among others, open spatial data. The example is thought to demonstrate that openness can lead to more effective decision making, if specific quality constraints are considered. This will lead to conclusions that affect the ongoing discussion on proper usage of open data to support spatial analysis and decision making.