Open Data Portals around Europe: GovData pioneering open data accessibility in Germany

Germany’s GovData portal, the national platform for open government data, continues to set benchmarks in data accessibility and transparency. Launched in 2013, GovData provides a centralised point for administrative data from federal, state, and local governments, making it easier for citizens, businesses, and researchers to access and use public data.  

The portal hosts a large collection of datasets, covering diverse categories such as health, traffic, environment, and science and technology. With over 120,000 datasets available as of September 2024, GovData ensures that users can find relevant information through advanced search filters and tabs separating application cases from datasets. This extensive collection supports various applications, from academic research to innovative business solutions, like the Interactive Accident Atlas. 

GovData’s commitment to open data principles can be seen through its user-friendly interface that was recently updated for a tidier result list and better links within datasets. Moreover, the homepage now includes a map of Germany as a dataset filter, and users can find more than 1 200 High-Value datasets with one button. Users can stay up-to-date on further developments through GovData’s GitHub page or use the GovData map search to find geospatial data specific to an area of interest. 

Germany continues to strengthen their open government data initiative with GovData, which remains a central collection of the topics ‘Open Government’, ‘Open Data’, and ‘Citizen Participation’. By being transparent on why open data can be useful and making data readily accessible, the portal empowers citizens and organisations to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and contribute to a more open and accountable government. 

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