Washington DC opens data to public through AI platform
27 March 2024
by Jonathan Andrews
The US capital has launched ‘DC Compass’ which uses generative artificial intelligence to answer data-oriented civic questions and creates maps from thousands of open data sets.
Washington DC released the public version after a six-month private beta trial. The city worked with geographic information systems (GIS) company, Esri, to improve the software to provide intuitive answers to requests.
“We are excited to be chosen as the first jurisdiction to use this ground breaking technology and make our nearly 2,000 open data sets accessible to users with a simple AI-driven chatbot,” said Interim Chief Technology Officer Stephen Miller. “You no longer need to be a data scientist or a spreadsheet wizard to analyse DC’s vast open data catalogue.”
Miller’s office is looking for users to put the new software to the test and wants feedback to continue to improve the speed, accuracy, and usefulness of the platform.
“Esri is excited to collaborate on DC’s new open data resource,” said Richard Cooke, Esri’s Director of Global Business Development. “We are proud to work with the city in bringing innovations with generative artificial intelligence and GIS to a whole new audience.”
In February, the mayor, Muriel Bowser (picture above), outlined actions that her government is taking to harness the power of AI in government services so that the city and residents benefit from the new technology.
Bowser also announced DC’s Artificial Intelligence Values Statement and Strategic Plan, and says the city is committed to using AI to improve city services, increase efficiency, better manage and analyse data, and create a more effective and inclusive government.
Image: Flickr/dc.gov
