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Public sector information portal expanded to boost value-added re-use
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     More datasets have been made available today (July 12) on the Government's public sector information (PSI) portal, Data.One (Data.One.gov.hk), for free download and value-added re-use by the public.    

     There are three new types of datasets, namely real-time weather data from the Hong Kong Observatory; air pollution indices from the Environmental Protection Department; and the charitable fund-raising activities approved by the Social Welfare Department, Home Affairs Department and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. They are in computer-readable formats for free value-added re-use.

     To help users look for the data they need, the Data.One portal has also been enhanced to provide a more user-friendly data catalogue with keyword search function.

     "We launched a pilot scheme in March 2011 to provide real-time traffic data and geo-referenced public facilities data on the Data.One portal for free re-use. The public response has been encouraging, with at least 13 mobile applications developed by the community using the PSI on the portal. These mobile applications bring convenience to our daily lives," a spokesman for the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer said.

     "Given the positive response to the pilot scheme, the Government will progressively make more datasets available for free re-use. The three new types of datasets provide information closely related to our daily lives and have great potential for value-added re-use," the spokesman said.

     PSI can be used for developing various innovative services or applications. They are also useful for research and analysis. Apart from bringing convenience to the public, making PSI available in computer-readable format will create business opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship and promote innovation.

     "The Government will continue to identify suitable datasets and make them available through the Data.One portal. We also welcome suggestions on new datasets," the spokesman added.

Ends/Thursday, July 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:54

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