Video: Data as a Utility Has Unexpected Upshots
wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com
Just like the state's roads, anyone can use open data in Connecticut.
When Kevin Lembo became comptroller of Connecticut roughly five years ago, the state wasn't getting high marks on how it dealt with public information. A lot has changed since then.
By opening up massive swaths of data, Lembo is trying to get the residents of Connecticut to see open data in the same vein as roads and rails: as a utility anyone can use.
"There's always a new and innovative way to put it out there," he said.
While tons of raw data is made available, Lembo is aware many citizens simply want to see simple and understandable visualizations of the data, so they can, for example, compare and contrast budget data charts with those from the health care sector.
"You're willing to put information out there, even when it doesn't put you in the best possible light," Lembo said.
To learn more, check out the video below from Socrata's Open Data TV:
(Image via wavebreakmedia/ Shutterstock.com)