Establishing a low-cost themed hub service
Collaboration and informed decision making with environmental data has been hindered by limited access to reliable thematic data and a lack of dedicated spaces for meaningful interaction and discussion. Without a lightweight and adaptive solution, bespoke tools and websites were created to address customer need which were not interoperable and connected to established data systems, further exacerbating data fragmentation.
Sharing and Enabling Environmental Data (SEED) portal themed hubs were introduced to address this gap by providing cost-effective, integrated spaces where users could access curated data, adhere to best-practice governance standards, and foster valuable discussions.
The Hubs are built on the established SEED system, giving users access to themed data along with all the website’s features and services. Customers can explore curated content and connect with others who share similar interests. They can also create their own insights and request new Hubs that reflect their own data needs with the confidence of having strong governance foundations and best-practice data release processes.
To date there are five Hubs, based on themes reflecting high community interest to emerging thought leadership. They include Water, Natural Hazards Science, Air Quality, Imagery and Natural Capital Accounting.
Achievements
The SEED themed hubs provide users with confidence in the data they access, supported by best-practice governance and adherence to open data principles. These hubs foster stronger connections between users and data authors, enabling efficient creation of insights through tools and collaboration around themed data.
Fully interoperable with the broader SEED system, the hubs minimise the risk of redundancy and duplicate investment, ensuring resources are used effectively. Hub owners benefit from a mature, sustainable data management system that delivers secure public services while remaining adaptable to evolving customer needs, creating a dynamic and reliable platform for data-driven collaboration.
The hubs have over 5,000 active users and have already provided valuable collaboration opportunities to unify data availability around themes of data relevant to customers.
Engagement
This project has involved:
- NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- Technical Developers
- State Emergency Service
- NSW Bushfire Research Hub
- Research Institutions
- Local Government
Department leading the project
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water