Open Data Masterclasses

Gaining a greater understanding of open data, and the tools and techniques to use open datasets, is being facilitated through a series of free masterclasses hosted by Ordnance Survey, UK. The masterclasses, run by Ordnance Survey’s GeoVation initiative and supported by Horizon Digital Economy Research, are aimed at individuals, developers, community groups, social entrepreneurs, commercial and government organisations.

Participants stand to benefit from a greater understanding of the opportunities around open data, as well as being provided with the tools and techniques needed to use and analyse a range of open datasets relevant to them.

The open data masterclasses will combine theory and practical sessions and provide participants the opportunity to use and harness free-to-use open datasets, including Ordnance Survey’s own free-to-use OS OpenData.

Participants will learn a range of techniques, from data collection and processing to data analysis and map visualisation. The focus on the day will be guided, hands-on practicals, using data from Ordnance Survey and data.gov.uk. Through the masterclasses, participants will have the opportunity to use and harness open datasets from various government departments and public-sector organisations including higher education, healthcare, transport and environment.

The content of the masterclasses is suitable for a wide spectrum of participants with various levels of IT experience, although some familiarity with web browsing and Microsoft Excel is assumed.

Ordnance Survey is able to offer up to 30 places at each masterclass, running from 9.30 am until 5.00 pm each day. Locations and dates of the sessions:

16 March 2012 – Open University, Milton Keynes http://odmcmiltonkeynes.eventbrite.co.uk/

23 March 2012 – Technium OpTIC Centre, St Asaph http://odmcstasaph.eventbrite.co.uk/

26 March 2012 – University of Manchester http://odmcmanchester.eventbrite.co.uk/

27 March 2012 – University of Cardiff http://odmccardiff.eventbrite.co.uk

29 March 2012 – Ordnance Survey, Southampton http://odmcsouthampton.eventbrite.co.uk

30 March 2012 – RGS (with IBG), London http://odmcrgs.eventbrite.co.uk/

Interested participants should click on the relevant link to reserve their space and obtain a masterclass ticket.

More information on OS OpenData is available on the Ordnance Survey website.