This document discusses steps for creating linked open data from disparate datasets. It recommends: 1. Sharing raw data in non-proprietary formats like CSV and using open licenses. 2. Aligning data to common identifiers like battles and regiments to link datasets. 3. Defining data consistently using URLs so machines can understand and link to other URLs to grow the web of data. It also discusses how individuals can download and use published open data and how linked open data can unlock information for libraries, archives, and museums.

1. Civil War Data 150
Talis Linked Data Open Day
June 1, 2011
Jon Voss, Founder of LookBackMaps @jonvoss
jon@lookbackmaps.net

3. Civil War Data 150 http://civilwardata150.net
creating links across disparate datasets
based on domain-specific identifiers
like battles, regiments, etc.

5. Step 1. Data
• metadata vs. assets: key distinction
• share raw data in non-proprietary formats, like CSV
• don’t try to come up with a use, you may have no idea how people will use your data

6. Step 2. Open Data
• http://creativecommons.org/licenses/
• http://www.opendatacommons.org/licenses/
Open Data Published Data
CC-BY CC-BY-NC-ND
CC0
CC-BY-NC
Public Domain Mark
CC-BY-ND
Public Domain Dedication and License (PDDL)
CC-BY-SA
Attribution License (ODC-By)
Open Database License (ODC-ODbL) CC-BY-NC-SA

7. Step 3. Linked Open Data
• define data in consistant, predictable ways so machines can understand
• use URLs so people can link to your data
• link to other URLs, to grow the web of data

8.  
1.
 

Data
collection

2.

Align to
key

identifiers 



 


3.



Publish 


and build
viz/apps


 
 



9. What will happen to your data?
• working with Open Data from
NOAA at wherecamp 2011.
http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/
history/CivilWar/

10. The bigger picture: Linked Open
Data in Libraries, Archives &
Museums. #lodlam
• it’s an unfolding story, but it’s awn... unlocking, and linking, massive amounts of
structured data
• first funded projects in the US exploring Linked Open Data in the humanities now
underway: http://lod-lam.net
• 100 people from over 85 institutions gathering from around the world June 2-3 to
forward LODLAM in the next year, thanks to generous funding from: