One place to gather all environmental data
A central and standardised open data portal where users can discover all relevant environmental data through a distributed data approach. One place to discover, access, analyse and contribute raw data for use and re-use in the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
The future vision for the Datahub would be that innovative digital solutions such as sensors, citizen science and predictive analytics and learning would be used to improve the quantity and quality of data and the frequency of data collection.
Whilst we promote an open data approach where possible, the Datahub concept incorporates different levels of data access to protect sensitive data, and various business models options have been developed to incentivise private organisations to share their data.
Impact
- Drives efficiencies in the process, reducing the time to locate and access data, and enabling the re-use of data by others.
- Opens up opportunities for SMEs and other businesses to develop new tools and innovations from the data that has been opened up.
- Gives greater transparency to the data used in decision making.
Screen 1 – Datahub (Map view)
Enables users to search for different datasets relevant to the EIA process and view on a map, with the ability to view how the data has changed over time, and export the data to their EIA workspace for analysis. This screen uses Air Quality as an example:
- Scroll through a timeline to see how data has changed over time
- Add multiple data-sets or categories to be visualised on the same map
- Export datasets to the Digital EIA workspace for use in Impact Modelling analysis.
Screen 2 – Datahub (List tab)
Enables users to search for different datasets relevant to the EIA process and view on a map, with the ability to view how the data has changed over time, and export the data to their EIA workspace for analysis. This screen uses Air Quality as an example:
- Easily search for and filter data
- Meta data tags enable users to see key information such as data licensing
- ‘Timestamps' show when the data was added or last modified
- User-generated ratings to see how useful and reliable a data set has been to others. This is key to build trust around data sets, and for the Datahub to learn about the user’s needs for data
- Data has different levels of accessibility relating to its sensitivity, and any ownership restrictions.
