Philadelphia opens data and imagery to the public

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 REDLANDS, CALIF. — Through its OpenDataPhilly website, the city of Philadelphia now provides access to more than 100 datasets, applications, and APIs containing authoritative regional information on a wide variety of topics. The site includes a series of map services built with ArcGIS technology from Esri that offer data and imagery related to census tracts, political wards, crime incidents, hydrology, evacuation routes, bicycle networks, and more.

"Our goal is to expose current and accurate Philadelphia spatial data that will enable developers to build applications to benefit Philadelphia citizens and businesses, enhance commerce, and help streamline city government," said James L. Querry, Jr., City of Philadelphia director of enterprise GIS. "The city has openly shared its core GIS data and imagery for over a decade, and now, in conjunction with OpenDataPhilly, we have recently expanded data and imagery access via APIs."

Built by Philadelphia-based GIS software firm Azavea, OpenDataPhilly is based on the idea that providing free and easy access to information encourages more effective, transparent government and a more engaged and informed citizenry. ArcGIS technology from Esri supports the Gov 2.0 movement by enabling governments around the world to build mapping applications that empower the public and enhance policy making. To learn more about the role of GIS in open government, visit www.esri.com/gov20. To access OpenDataPhilly, visit www.opendataphilly.org.