Context

Every day, vast amounts of Smart Data are generated about us through computer technologies and smart devices. These data arise from our interactions in the places where we live, work, and play. When effectively captured, processed, and curated, they become valuable assets that can be repurposed for the public good—to enhance quality of life and stimulate economic prosperity.

As all interactions, whether virtual or physical, occur somewhere, geography is the optimal medium to link, verify, and analyse diverse data sources. Geographic integration enables the discovery and understanding of complex global patterns through geospatial analysis. The scientific and ethical application of these data provides focused insights into changing circumstances, particularly for vulnerable populations, enabling targeted strategies to improve economic and environmental conditions.

The Geographic Data Service (GeoDS) leads academic collaboration with industry, government, and the third sector to extract value from Smart Data and enable ground breaking research. Our mission is to employ geographic methodologies to integrate diverse Smart Data sources with nationally representative administrative and statistical data. We identify economic and social inequalities within and between regions, conduct research into their underlying causes, and inform policies aimed at alleviating disparities, fostering greater prosperity and equal opportunities for all.

Our Focus on People and Places

• Geographic Disparities: Identifying and measuring economic and social imbalances between neighbourhoods, cities and regions.
• Population Dynamics: Understanding and addressing the changing circumstances of the population at large.
• Equality of Opportunity: Measuring and evidencing economic and social inequalities of outcome in the local, regional and national context.
• Populations at Risk: Bringing focus to the changing circumstances of those facing the strongest challenges to economic and social well-being.

The Geographic Data Service

• Joined up Geography: We validate Smart Data through linkage and integration with multiple sources, and document the results.
• Research Ready Data: Many Smart Data sources are provided as research ready products designed for efficient, effective and ethical research use.
• Secure Research Infrastructure: Bespoke research applications are supported by expert researchers and secure access to trusted research environments (TREs).
• Collaboration & Capacity Building: We run a nationwide Masters Dissertation Scheme that brings together students, their supervisors and Smart Data organisations to address new research problems of shared concern. We also offer data science and data story training, in person and online.
• Innovative Tools & Web Mapping: We provide a popular maps platform to enable exploration of our Smart Data and an AI-powered data catalogue and semantic search engine that enhances data discovery, access and usability.

The GeoDS is funded by Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) and is based at four leading UK universities. We partner with more than 30 providers of geographic data. Our dedication to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles ensures that researchers across the academic sector can effectively leverage Smart Data to advance the public good.