Helsinki Region Infoshare makes data publicly available

Helsinki Region Infoshare webservice and data catalogue published 18.3.2011

Few interactive visualizations out of the data-sets can be seen at the Helsinki Region Infoshare -site

New regional data catalog (CKAN based) is officially launched today 18.3.2011 in Helsinki [the press release will be published also at the Forum Virium Helsinki Website].

PRESS RELEASE March 18, 2011 – 13:00

Helsinki Region Infoshare makes data publicly available

The Helsinki Region Infoshare project initiated by the cities of the Helsinki metropolitan area opens up the cities’ databases for everybody. The publicly available data can be found at the new web service http://www.hri.fi. The data can be utilized free of charge.

The Helsinki Region Infoshare (www.hri.fi) makes public data from the Helsinki Region available for anyone to use. The data mainly consists of statistics and forecasts, at the moment.

Earilier, public data in the region has been used for example to visualize demographic statistics, to facilitate housing and job searches, to create a mobile version of Helsinki Region Transport’s Journey Planner, and to allow the procurement announcements of authorities to be browsed on the map.

The web service is open to everybody but it is especially targeted at users of statistical data, application developers and others who are interested in open data.

The users of the service can give feedback on the data, discuss, and make request on new data sources to be opened.

Publicly available data enables new services and efficient use of data

The core idea of the Helsinki Region Infoshare project is that opening public data and making it available for users helps to create new services and business in the region. For example, open data can be used to build new web applications that benefit citizens.

Making data publicly available is also intended to facilitate research and development. It is meant to increase the participation of citizens and their understanding of their housing areas. The data can be used to monitor, analyze and visualize social phenomena.

Moving forward by listening to users

The Helsinki Region Infoshare web service now published is a beta version. The site will be developed further and expanded on the basis of user feedback. The target is in 2012, when the service should include a great deal of statistical and other data from the Helsinki Region. The project will also become part of the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 programme.

The Helsinki Region Infoshare web service will be published on March 18, 2011, in an event from 13:00 to 14:00 at Virka Gallery, Helsinki City Hall (Sofiankatu 1 / Pohjoisesplanadi 11-13). The event is organized by the Cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen together with Forum Virium Helsinki. You’re welcome to attend!

Further information:
Project Manager Ville Meloni, Forum Virium Helsinki
Tel. +358 400 260 000, email: ville.meloni@forumvirium.fi

Project Manager Pekka Vuori, City of Helsinki Urban Facts
Tel. +358 9 310 36 300, email: pekka.vuori [@] hel.fi

Director Asta Manninen, City of Helsinki Urban Facts
Tel. +358 9 310 36 400, email: asta.manninen [@] hel.fi

Helsinki Region Infoshare
The Helsinki Region Infoshare project makes data concerning the Helsinki Region publicly available. The data can be used by municipalities, corporations, communities, residents, researchers, educators and others. The project is coordinated by the City of Helsinki Urban Facts. The project involves the Cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, Forum Virium Helsinki and Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund. The Ministry of Finance has granted the project a municipal cooperation subsidy. www.hri.fi