It's a sunny day and
canoeists across England head for the nearest river. Before setting out, they
check an app that tells them how fast that river is flowing. Too swiftly or too
slowly? Then perhaps they'll head to the beach, checking an app for bathing
water quality. Afterwards they might relax with a glass of English wine, much
improved since growers have been able to identify the most propitious soils in
which to plant their vines.
This is the kind of
scenario that environment secretary Liz Truss hopes will unfold as the
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) rolls out its Open
Data initiative. It is, she claims, the biggest single government "data
give-away". By making 8,000 data sets available to the public, the
government says it will make it easier for people to experience the countryside
and improve the environment, and save money for businesses.
