Data intermediaries play an important role in a federated data system, through data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination. Data intermediaries are typically public or non-profit organizations with important characteristics: they are in a position to maintain trust of data providers and users over long term, they are not linked to short term political interest, they follow appropriate protocols, and they are held accountable to the public.
Although the state has cultivated areas of expertise around data issues, these efforts are often uncoordinated and episodic. Furthermore, no intermediary exists with the resources and authority to establish standards and protocols across the state to enable sharing and comparison between existing organizations.
MassGIS, the state’s critical resource for spatial information, has a clear strategic plan that should be implemented. A new state organization is needed to identify standards, create index files for comparison, and address privacy and other concerns to make available knowledge contained in administrative databases. Boston’s regional data intermediary, the MAPC Data Center and GIS Lab, are well positioned to provide technical support and data to local organizations and municipalities. Supporting these groups will facilitate efficient use of existing data while supporting new types of comparison and analysis.
7) Implement Massachusetts Office of Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS) Strategic Plan
8) Establish a Commonwealth Center for Data
9) Strengthen MAPC’s Data Center and GIS Lab as Metro Boston’s Regional Data Intermediary