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The Internet is a powerful tool for sharing digital information. We would also like to use that power of the web to improve access to geo-information. But how can we do? Here you can read about the lessons learned from the Geodata on the Web testbed.

As you read this, most likely you are a spatial data owner or data provider and think about publishing your spatial data set as open data on the WWW.

That's probably because you've heard that open data can create added value. Or because other people can create new applications using the same data. And this also fits in with the idea of 'one-time gathering for multiple use'.

All beautiful thoughts, BUT...

Basically, you have two options:

• Option 1) just put your spatial dataset on the web the way YOU want it. This is something what most authorities do: drop the data on the WWW in the manner and with the data formats as they also use it internally in their own organsation.

Publishing data as open data is one thing, but then you're not there yet.

• Option 2) put your spatial dataset on the web, so that OTHERS can get the most out. This may be asking a little more effort, but with the lessons learned from our testbed we hope to give some handles in order to achieve this anyway.

And notice the difference: make it available for use as in option 1 or make it suitable for use as in option 2. What do you choose?

Spatial data is seen as something difficult. But eventually, it is just data. That is why we try to avoid to talk about spatial data. Because the lessons learned also apply to any other data sets.