Linked Open Data and Land Governance

What is Linked Open Data?

Linked Open Data is a way of enriching, connecting, and linking data in structured, machine readable and standardized formats under open licenses. Linked Open Data enables the same content to be represented in multiple ways in different places simultaneously.

Advantages of Linked Open Data

Efficient use of resources
Linked Open Data reduces redundancy by building upon and the work of others rather than replicating existing systems.

Increased information quality
Linked Open Data encourages the standardization of metadata and data formats, which makes data more reliable and credible.
Creates added value By connecting directly to other data, Linked Open Data allows users to discover, use and reuse information in new and unintended ways.

Identification of gaps in information
Linked Open Data allows data errors to be highlighted and corrected.

Enhances transparency
Linked Open Data creates the means for citizens and advocacy groups to hold the private sector and governments to account.

How Can Linked Open Data Improve Land Governance?

How land is governed is a crucial factor to improving the livelihoods of the 1.2 billion people currently living in poverty.

The Land Portal uses Linked Open Data to combine data about land issues from diverse and credible sources around the world, enabling easy data exploration, manipulation and customization. By bringing land information together in one place, the Land Portal actively addresses gaps in information, while providing a range of ways for the information to be accessed, shared and reused, which contributes to better decision making on land governance.