The state of Michigan has launched a geographic information systems website that allows the public to search and download information about jurisdictional boundaries, transportation networks, and workforce demographics as part of an effort by the state to make data more accessible for government, business, and public use.
“The coordination and sharing of data from multiple agencies and levels of government is a great step forward in achieving Gov. (Rick) Snyder’s transparency goals,” says David Behen, director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. “Pulling it all together in one place will improve the overall experience for everyone.”
The website will provide location components to information. For example, businesses looking to expand or re-locate in the state can now cross-reference geographical data with transportation and workforce information. The website also provides information about fish and wildlife, geology, environment, elevation, and public health.
The open data website is a move in response to an executive directive signed by Snyder in 2013 to improve information-sharing between state departments and help residents access data from multiple departments in one place.
Behen says the website will continue to add more information over time. To visit the site, go to Michigan.gov/openmichigan
