Open Data

Quick Access

This guide provides instructions on using Open Data to find and utilize publicly available datasets in the Smart Site Plan Platform. These datasets can be saved as layers in your projects or added to Favorites for use in future projects.

Search

Search for datasets using keywords to find relevant Open Data sources. For precise results, use double quotes around your search term.

1. In the Open Data panel, locate the search bar at the top.
2. Enter your keyword and select the button labeled Magnifying Glass or press Enter.
3. For an exact match, enclose the keyword in double quotes (e.g., “parcel data”) and repeat the previous step.

Categories

Categories help you discover datasets relevant to your map’s current location. They dynamically update as you move the map and are tailored to retrieve data specific to each category’s theme.

1. In the Open Data panel, ensure the Tag button is green, indicating Categories are active. If not, select it to activate.
2. In the Categories container, select a category bubble to view related datasets for your map’s location.
3. The selected bubble turns green, and a card displays the relevant data. Select the bubble again to deactivate it.

Downloading Data/Save to Layers

Download visible entities from a dataset or save them as a layer for further editing and sharing within your project.

1. In the Open Data panel, select a dataset with a button labeled Download Data.
2. In the dialog that appears, choose a format: Shapefile, GeoJSON, CSV, KML, or DXF to download the data to your local storage.
3. To save the data as a layer, select the button labeled Save to Layers. The button will change to View in Layers after saving.
4. Select View in Layers to open the Layers panel and activate the new layer containing the queried entities. Note: Saving additional data from the same source to an existing layer merges the data, automatically removing duplicates.
5. To add data to an existing layer, rename the layer to match the Open Data source’s title (e.g., Parcels) and repeat the Save to Layers process.

High-Definition (HD)

View supported datasets in high-definition using Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) for enhanced clarity at any zoom level. This feature is resource-intensive and may impact performance with large datasets. Note: Not all sources support HD. Shares also support HD sources; see the Shares guide for details.

1. In the Open Data panel, select a dataset that supports HD.
2. Toggle the HD option to enable high-definition viewing, if available.

Favoriting

Add frequently used data sources to a Favorites list for quick access and better organization across projects.

1. In the Open Data panel, select the Favorites button to view the Favorites list.
2. To add a source, select a dataset from the search results, then select the button labeled Star to include it in Favorites. A green indicator shows the source is active.
3. Manage your Favorites list using these options:
   • Edit (pen icon): Select to rename a favorite source.
   • Delete (trashcan icon): Select to remove a source from Favorites.
   • Reorder (six-dot icon): Select and drag to change the order of favorite sources.
   • Menu (three vertical dots icon): Opens additional options:
     • Close Menu: Closes the menu.
     • Add Server: Manually add a domain to Favorites to view all GIS data within that domain, acting as a structured container.
     • Create Group: Create groups within Favorites for better organization.
     • Import Favorites: Import a Favorites list to combine with the existing structure.
     • Export Favorites: Export the current Favorites list as a CSV file.
4. To toggle a favorited source on or off, select it from the Favorites list. Green indicates the source is active; select again to deactivate.

Using Results

Interact with search results to view, manage, or explore dataset details on the map.

1. In the Open Data panel, select a dataset from the search results.
2. A card appears at the top of the panel with options to adjust the dataset’s settings or perform actions. Note: Some sources may not load due to internet or server issues with third-party data.
3. Use the following options in the card, if available:
   • Opacity: Adjust the transparency of the dataset on the map.
   • Save to Layers: Save the dataset as a layer for editing; see the Downloading Data/Save to Layers section.
   • HD: Enable high-definition viewing; see the High-Definition (HD) section.
   • Favorite: Add the dataset to Favorites; see the Favoriting section.
   • Show Legend: Display the dataset’s legend, if available.
   • Crosshairs: Move the map to the extents of the selected data source.
   • Search Similar: Perform a domain search to find similar data from the same hosting entity.
4. Some datasets include a Supports container with additional functionality indicators:
   • Bolt icon: Indicates a fast-loading source.
   • Smart Search icon: Indicates support for advanced querying; see the Smart Search guide.
   • Download icon: Indicates downloadable data; see the Downloading Data/Save to Layers section.
5. Select an entity on the map to view a popup with its details. Note: Some sources may not provide detailed information, depending on the third-party data.

Request for Removal

Request the removal of a data source from Smart Site Plan. Approved requests will remove the specified URL or domain from the platform.

1. In the Open Data panel, select a dataset and click the button labeled Flag.
2. In the dialog that appears, provide the following:
   • URL: The source URL to be removed. If approved, this URL will no longer be available.
   • Email: Your email address for reference and potential contact, if permitted.
   • Restriction Level: Choose URL Only to remove only the specific URL, or Entire Domain to remove all URLs from that domain (e.g., all URLs under https://maps.ghd.com/arcgis/rest/services).
   • Reason for Removal: Provide a detailed explanation for the removal request.
3. Select the button labeled Submit to send the request.

AI Predictions

Smart Site Plan’s Open Data leverages AI-driven image classification to refine search results, reducing irrelevant datasets and improving accuracy. Categories are optimized with dynamic supervised machine learning to deliver relevant data. Future enhancements will expand AI integration to improve project organization, productivity, and management.

Need more help with Open Data? Our team is here to help. You can reach us at Smart Site Plan Support.