Developing a data discovery and sharing infrastructure for quantitative and qualitative socio-economic data via the WISERD GeoPortal

• Start date: 01 June 2012
• End date: 03 December 2013

The Welsh Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods (WISERD) has developed an innovative web-based software application to facilitate access to socioeconomic data for Wales. Development of the ‘WISERD GeoPortal’ has been a key strand of WISERD’s work programme, contributing to its work on addressing the quantitative deficit in Wales and development of a research infrastructure for Welsh social science. By focusing on Wales, the research team has been able to develop a robust methodological approach to generating, searching and analysing metadata relating to quantitative and qualitative social science data.

The aim of this project is to establish the GeoPortal as an important tool for researchers/analysts wanting to discover and use socio-economic data. The objectives of this project are to continue the technical development of the GeoPortal to improve and develop functionality and usability; to link to and consume key external data sources such, as the 2011 Census, via linked data mechanisms to:

• establish user panels and a strategic steering group
• deliver training and dissemination events to end users and stakeholders
• evaluate the rollout of the GeoPortal amongst users and stakeholders
• develop a business plan for the GeoPortal’s on-going sustainability.