Explore Wikidata as an open data resource; discover its applications for cultural, educational, and other purposes; learn SPARQL querying.
Speaker
Ian Watt
Agenda
7:00pm - 45 minutes talk with 15 minutes Q&A
8:00pm - event ends
Synopsis
In this presentation Ian will explore Wikidata as a powerful open data resource.
He will begin with an introduction to open data, explaining its importance and showcasing real-world examples of how openly accessible information drives innovation and collaboration.
From there, we’ll dive into Wikidata, a free and collaborative knowledge base that provides structured data for use by humans and machines alike.
Attendees will learn how Wikidata functions as an open data resource, emphasizing its licensing under CC0, which ensures reusability, and its applications across fields like cultural heritage, education, and research.
A live demonstration will showcase querying Wikidata with SPARQL, exporting data, and visualizing it effectively.
Attendees with access to a laptop can code along during the SPARQL examples to get hands-on experience. There will be an opportunity for questions at the conclusion. Following the presentation, all participants will receive access to the slides and links to additional resources for further exploration.
About the speaker
Ian Watt
Ian Watt is a prominent advocate for open data and civic technology, based in Aberdeen, Scotland.
He co-founded Code The City, a charity which leverages technology and open data to address social issues.
The organisation is known for organizing hackathons, open data workshops, and the annual Scottish Open Data Unconference.
Ian has also played a significant role in local and national efforts to promote open data, including contributing to the Scottish Government’s Open Data Strategy in 2015.
Ian's career spans significant achievements in public sector technology, digital and data management.
He has led large-scale digital projects and participated in EU-funded projects, and led an open data program for all seven of Scotland's cities.
Beyond his work with Code The City, Ian is involved in running community-driven initiatives like the Aberdeen Data Meetup and the Aberdeen Python User Group. Additionally, is an approved volunteer trainer for Wikimedia UK, focusing on using Wikidata as a public repository for linked open data.
He is an ambassador for Open UK, and was recently admitted as a Burgess of Guild of the City and Royal Burgh of Aberdeen, one of the oldest civic institutions of Scotland.
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
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This event is brought to you by: Open Source specialist group
