UBDC
Project Overview
Portal information
Impact
The revitalized open data portal at UBDC has significantly improved their data management and sharing capabilities. By integrating advanced features such as custom metadata schema, structured data for search engines, and a robust dataset approval process, the portal now offers superior data governance and control. These enhancements have dramatically increased the discoverability and accessibility of datasets, empowering researchers, policymakers, and the public to leverage valuable data and foster greater collaboration and innovation. New features like the issue tracker and data access request system streamline user interactions, while multi-level access restrictions ensure data security. Additionally, the implementation of Google Analytics and comprehensive training for UBDC staff has empowered the organization to leverage the platform effectively, thereby enhancing the overall user experience and engagement. This positions UBDC as a leader in the open data movement, driving impactful research and urban development initiatives, and inspiring other institutions to adopt similar advanced data management solutions.
The Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC) at the University of Glasgow engaged Datopian to revitalize their data portal. The objective was to create a modern data catalog platform that enhances user engagement, supports the curation and publication of new datasets, and integrates seamlessly with third-party systems. This transformation aimed to bolster the transparency, accessibility, and discoverability of UBDC’s data collections.
Key Features & Functionality
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Custom theming aligned with UBDC branding
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Integration with DataCite for DOI assignment
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Custom metadata schema development
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Implementation of showcases and Google Analytics
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Issue tracker for user discussions and data retrieval
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Access request system for restricted data
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Dataset approval workflow for administrators
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Multi-level access restrictions for resources
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Structured data for enhanced search engine visibility
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Integration tests for CKAN platform
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Comprehensive CKAN training for client staff
Services Provided
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CKAN Development — Customized development to meet the specific needs of UBDC, including the creation of unique theming extensions and the integration of essential functionalities such as metadata schema, showcases, and access request systems.
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CKAN Hosting and Support — Reliable hosting solutions on the Google Cloud Platform, ensuring robust security and compliance with UK Data Protection legislation. Ongoing support to address any technical issues and provide continuous improvements.
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Data Consulting — Expert advice and strategy development to optimize data management practices. This included the integration of advanced features like DOI assignment through DataCite, structured data enhancements, and detailed analytics reporting.
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Training — Comprehensive training sessions for UBDC staff to ensure they are proficient in using the CKAN platform. The training covered all features and workflows, empowering the team to effectively manage and utilize the new data portal.