Start a Project

Do you have a data mashup idea of your own? Do you want to build a unique app that serves up data in a way that makes sense? Or would you like to tell a story using data displayed on charts and graphs?

We’re excited that you have some ideas that will help make BC data more useful. Here are some tips to help you start a project and make it a reality. If you’re already a pro at this, then keep everyone in the loop about your project using the tags ‘databc’ or ‘#databc’.

Build an App

Step 1: Describe your concept for an app and the requirements for building it.

  1. Design
    • What is the app supposed to do? What problem will it solve?
    • Will it be designed for a specific user or audience?
    • What features will it have? For example: Is it an app for mobile devices? Will it connect with Facebook or Twitter?
  2. Data
    • Which datasets will you use for your mashup?
    • Have you requested any additional data you require?
  3. Project team
    • Have you designed your dream team?
    • What skills are required to make your app a success – a developer, project manager or marketer?
  4. Cost
    • How will the project be funded?
    • Will you need to pay hosting fees or hire a project team?
    • What incentive is there to join your project team?

Step 2: Share your app idea.

  • Blog about it using the tag or label ‘databc’.
  • Tweet about using one of these tags: #databc, #opendata, #opengov, #gov20.
  • Share it with the OpenDataBC Google group.
  • Contact us and we’ll share it on our blog.
  • Post a condensed version of it on Craig’s List.
  • Use your own contacts and networks or find new ones – be creative!

Step 3: Get organized and execute.

  • Clarify team roles or responsibilities, and clearly define compensation for participation.
  • Agree on tools for sharing project information.
  • Build a project plan and target a completion date.
  • Use project meetings to review progress and discuss tasks to be completed.
  • Make app improvements based on end user input.
  • Determine how ongoing app maintenance requirements will be supported.

Step 4: Launch and get credit.

  • Blog or tweet to let everyone know that you’re live.
  • Reach your audience by pitching your story to a reporter or prominent blogger.
  • Share your app with the DataBC team and the OpenDataBC Google group.

Make a graph or chart

Step 1: Determine what data you would like to display.

Step 2: Search the data catalogue.

  • Use key words to narrow down your search.
  • Analyze records to find your sources for data.

Step 3: Decide how to display the data.

  • Become familiar with some tools available to help you chart the data. First time users should anticipate additional time is required to learn how to use them.

Step 4: Develop a story about the data.

  • Does it provide insight into important people, places or ideas?
  • Is there something unique or surprising about it?
  • What trends or discrepancies does it identify?

Step 5: Share your creation

Make a Map

Step 1: Determine what features of interest you would like to display.

  • Think about issues or facts that matter to you, and how you see their impact in your neighborhood, city, province or the whole country.
  • What features of interest (like a school or a forest, for instance) can help you make the connection between the facts or issue and a location?

Step 2: Search the data catalogue for data with spatial formats.

  • Use key words to narrow down your search.
  • Analyze records to find your sources for data.
  • Use the advanced search feature to look for data with a location component - for example, .shp or .kml.

Step 3: Decide what platform you want to display the data.

  • What type of mapping platform do your users commonly use? Google Earth, BING?
  • Have a look at some tutorials that can teach you how to get your data onto a map. Three places to look:
  • If these seem a little complicated or outside your skill set, see the "Build an App" section for ideas on how to find experts that can help.
  • Make the data layers available in the platform of choice, or use existing tools available from the DataBC website.

Step 4: Develop a story about the data on the map.

  • Does it provide insight into important people, places or ideas?
  • Is there something unique or surprising about it?
  • Are there geographic trends portrayed in different areas on the map that you want to highlight?

Step 5: Share your creation

Start a project

Plan the initial phases of your project and tap into some tools designed to help you get started.

Get the data

Begin your journey into BC data using the catalogue or try one of our apps.

We need your help

Tell the DataBC team more about what matters most to you. What BC data would you like access to? What do you think is missing from this site? Make a request for more information, ask questions, or report any glitches you find.

Join the conversation

By accessing the datasets, you agree to the Province’s License. Please read the full License here.