When researchers for U-Spatial create highly detailed maps on Minnesotas solar energy potential, they depend on state-provided open data.

If [the data] wasnt open data, thered be no easy way we could acquire that, said Len Kne, associate director of the University of Minnesota program.

While Knes project used data from a state website, other types of data havent been as accessible.

But a data portal approved by the Minneapolis City Council last month will provide access to previously unavailable information, which has the potential to simplify the jobs of other researchers by making available new types of municipal-level data.

The recently passed ordinance requires the city government to post its public data online startingJan. 1.

Though the policy was crafted with technology developers in mind, University researchers expect the readily accessible data to aid their research.

The policy will make it a lot easier for academics and journalists, said BillLindeke, a doctoral candidate who conducts research in urban geography. Its not that its not there; its that its hard to find.

The new rule makes Minneapolis the 16th city in the U.S. to create an online portal to which city departments can upload data as they collect it.

Previously, researchers would have to formally request data, Lindeke said.

Earlier this year, Lindeke said he struggled to find traffic data on the citys website but said the information will be easier to find when the database goes live.

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New data portal opens doors for research