2025:Program/OpenDataKerala : Data for Development (Poster)
Session title: OpenDataKerala : Data for Development [Poster]
- Session type: Poster
- Track: Open Data
- Language: en
Open Data Kerala is a community effort focused on gathering and sharing open data related to Kerala, with a strong emphasis on geoinformatics, biodiversity, and climate change. The data curated under open data licenses promotes transparency and allows everyone to use, share, and distribute the information, fostering the generation of creative solutions to the challenges faced by the state. Through interactive events such as data-a-thons, hackathons, and workshops, Open Data Kerala has actively engaged the community, resulting in innovative solutions and improved data literacy.
Description
Open Data Kerala is an inspiring initiative led by passionate community members who contribute to Wikimedia projects, OpenStreetMap, and other open knowledge platforms. Through this initiative, a wealth of datasets related to Kerala and the Malayalam language have been curated and published. The initiative covers diverse datasets, including local bodies map data, health, education, and transportation, providing valuable information for researchers, policymakers, and the general public. Open Data Kerala collaborates closely with OpenStreetMap and Wikidata to enhance data accuracy and accessibility. Notably, the initiative played a crucial role in the Wayanad Landslide 2024 mapping efforts, using OpenStreetMap to ensure speedy relief for landslide victims. The project also focuses on automated data curation from various government and non-government sources, transforming these datasets into knowledge graphs using Wikidata. Additionally, Open Data Kerala advocates for an open data policy and motivates the government to implement it. By engaging citizens in the process, Open Data Kerala strengthens democracy and fosters data-driven decision-making.
- How does your session relate to the event theme, Wikimania@20 – Inclusivity. Impact. Sustainability?
OpenData Kerala promotes inclusivity by providing free access to government data, empowering citizens and marginalized groups with information to advocate for their rights and access services more effectively. It drives impact through transparency, accountability, and innovation, enabling evidence-based policymaking, public engagement, and the development of applications that address societal challenges. Additionally, OpenData Kerala supports sustainability and resilience by aiding in environmental monitoring, natural disaster management, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation.
- What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?
Everyone can participate in this session
Resources
Speakers
- Jinoy Tom Jacob
- I am an open data enthusiast from Kerala, India, with over a decade of active involvement in the Wikimedia movement. Throughout the years, I have contributed to projects like Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons, and other Wikimedia initiatives.
- My core interests include data visualization, mapping, and empowering local content within Wikimedia projects.
- As an engineer by profession, I bring my technical skills to support organizing workshops, outreach, and partnerships that promote open knowledge in my region. I am committed to connecting communities, government, and Wikimedia for digital conservation initiatives.
- Athulvis
- Athul R T
- Data Scientist & Developer, Member of Wikimedians of Kerala User Group
- A Wikimedian interested in astronomy, photography, traveling, who loves open data, open knowledge and free and open source softwares.
- I am a Data Scientist and Developer with a strong background in Computer Vision and Machine Learning. Passionate about open-source technologies, I am an active contributor to Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) projects, OpenStreetMap, and OpenData initiatives. My diverse interests include astronomy, photography, and participating in citizen science projects such as Zooniverse and iNaturalist. Additionally, I volunteer with government authorities to support disaster relief efforts. My technical expertise spans multiple programming languages, including Python, R, C++, JavaScript and Bash.
- https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Athulvis