The City of Vienna has committed itself to the concept of Open Government Data – an open and transparent system that makes city data available to the public for their further use.
The city administration has thus decided to its open data records to the population, businesses and the scientific community. Relevant data range from statistics and geographic data or traffic and transport to economic figures. Personal data are strictly excluded from the Open Data concept. The main prerequisite for data to be included is their machine readability in open formats.
Open and freely accessible data allow for a broad and democratic exchange of knowledge, thus facilitating the dialogue between local citizens and the administrative authority. At the open data improve participation and communication, and are therefore conducive to innovation and development.
The data catalogue is being expanded continuously. The “rules” to be followed by users are very simple. The data is published under a Creative Commons Licence (CC BY 3.0 AT). It can be used without any further restrictions, provided that the source is stated clearly. At the moment the data portal is available only in German, but the possibility of an English version is under consideration.
The Open Government blog also comprises an open communication with experts from the city administration. In addition there is a standard form for contacting the City of Vienna:
Open Government Data – a key pillar of the Vienna Open Government Strategy
In opening its data records to the public, the City of Vienna is taking yet another important step towards implementing its Open Government Strategy. The term “Open Government” refers to the city’s decision to create administrative structures based on more transparency and participation, enabling closer cooperation with the local population, local businesses and the scientific community. Due to the new structures, the city administration makes increased use of internet technology. A summary of the city’s Open Government activities are available online.
Currently the City of Vienna offers a comprehensive range of e-government options, with about 600 official e-government web pages and a variety of administrative services available online. For example, more than 180 different applications to the city administration can be completed and submitted electronically. There is also a free online city map of Vienna with more than 120 layers (i.e. levels showing specific geographic information, such as the location of pharmacies, kindergartens or one-way streets.) New e-services are being added continuously.
City/Location: Wien