Open Data Creates Great Tools, like Seattle Park Finder

With an open data platform, there are virtually endless ways for cities to connect with residents.

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By Andrea Fox, Gov1 Senior Editor

SEATTLE, WASH. -- Seattle Mayor Ed Murray recently directed all city departments to comply with the city’s Open Data Policy by December.

“The city of Seattle strives to be a ‘Smart City’ that engages its public in identifying and creating data-driven solutions to improve life in our city,” said Mayor Murray in Executive Order 2016-01.

To date the city has uploaded 544 data sets to data.seattle.gov, which helps fuel many outlets. You can find public safety performance statistics or review a map of Seattle’s cultural space inventory.

One of the most interesting features of city open data is what developers can do with it. Do you want to find the best parks in Seattle? Then check out Seattle Park Finder to search locations, get a bird’s eye view into the city’s numerous parks, and find links to park information.

Read the order on Mayor Murray’s website.

Andrea Fox is Editor of Gov1.com and Senior Editor at Lexipol. She is based in Massachusetts.

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