Transport Hack Day Datasets

Folks who have signed up as a Transport Collaborator for the Hack Day (2 Apr) has been invited to access the datasets for the Transport Hack Day, which are being stored on Dropbox.  Some of the sets come with documentation which it’s worth having a look through.

Here’s a rundown of what is currently (or expected to be) available. Unless otherwise stated, the data is for South Yorkshire only. Most of it is for Sheffield, but Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley borough data is provided in some cases. 

• Static bus & tram timetables:
  • rich XML format using the TransXChange 1.2.1 format, suitable for journey planning
  • easier-to-use GTFS export of the same data area; not as rich as the XML but useful for distance plotting and visualisation
• Bus Stop Locations: CSV files of NaPTAN station points with OS Grid References, as used by Traveline.
• NextBuses API: real-time bus prediction, providing the same information that is provided on electronic information screens provided on bus shelters. Data is available nationally, not just for South Yorkshire.

I’m in the process of mining the XML schemas to surface some of the richness of data that’s contained therein, which should help throw up some interesting ideas for things to do with the data.

In addition there is a slew of near-live data that will be available through the traffic management database used by Sheffield City Council and other local regional councils, which drives the Get There Sooner suite of Travel South Yorkshire apps.

• Traffic camera locations and feeds
• Road speed data
• Car park location and space availability
• Planned roadworks and disruptions
• Incidents (based on multiple sources, including Highways Agency and Police Authority)
• Variable message sign updates for roadside traffic information signs
• Traffic congestion (newly available data based on road loop detectors)

Archive data for many of these datasets is also available, which could be used for describing historical contexts against which current data can be presented.

As well as traffic data, it’s worth remembering that there is a lot of other public data out there already which can throw the above into a new light. Have a look at the Get the Data and Open Data Cook Book websites for where to start, as well as the data.gov.uk registry for national and LASOS for regional statistical data.  There is quite a bit of data available on the Guardian Data blog too.

And, of course, do talk about your ideas for Hack Day projects on the forum.