Data, Data Everywhere

So far, the Obama Administration's push to encourage software developers to use monstrous, freely available government datasets in consumer apps is generating more light than heat.

It's not clear why access to 600 gazillion terabytes (or thereabouts) of free, machine-readable data covering traffic accidents, copper smelting, phytoplankton cell counts and other fascinating, everyday topics have only inspired, at last count, 85 mobile apps. To counter this data ennui, and to launch a special section of Data.gov focusing on transportation and consumer product safety, the Administration hosted a data pep rally on May 16, with U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park acting as cheerleader-in-chief. Senior officials from Labor, Transportation, Consumer Product Safety Commission and others, made presentations (some live, some via recorded video) designed to stimulate interest in translating raw data into simple, navigable apps that consumers can use on mobile devices.