Dresden relies on open data: Citizens should benefit from digital data!

Dresden relies on open data: Citizens should benefit from digital data!

The Technical University of Dresden (TUD) is currently involved in the research project “Open Data for Citizens, Business and Administration”. This project, in which two professorships in business informatics are involved, aims to improve the visibility and use of openly accessible data from the city of Dresden's open data portal. As part of the Smart City Dresden model project, TUD intends to determine the needs and requirements for the use of open data in order to create added value for citizens, businesses and administration. The open data portal was launched in 2019 on the basis of a city council resolution and makes a significant contribution to the digitalization of administration.

The portal offers a wide range of datasets on various topics, including the environment, population, construction, housing and transport. Dresden has established itself as a pioneer in Germany when it comes to the provision of open data. According to an analysis by Finatycs from February 2025, Dresden provides the third most data sets after Hamburg and Berlin, namely 1,117 in total. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement: The analysis points to deficits in findability and user-friendliness, which is often due to a lack of technical knowledge on the part of users.

Survey on the use of open data

To better understand the use of open data portals, a large-scale, questionnaire-based survey will be conducted over a six-week period. This survey is aimed at all citizens of Dresden, regardless of their previous experience with open data, and should take around 10 minutes. The focus is on examining factors that influence usage.

The Smart City Dresden model project is funded by the federal government and runs until 2026. It tests innovative measures in selected districts and is managed by the city of Dresden's own IT services company in collaboration with the TU Dresden. The aim is to systematically expand the use of open data and strengthen the public sector as a central data provider and promoter.

Digital participation and OPEN DATA

An interesting aspect of the use of open data is digital citizen participation, which is promoted with projects such as the digital participation system DIPAS. DIPAS combines online citizen participation with interactive touchtables on site. The software uses open geospatial data and open source technologies to give citizens access to digital maps, aerial images, 3D models and more. This allows citizens to actively give feedback on planning projects.

The DIPAS user community, founded in July 2023, plays an essential role in the further development of this system and regularly advises on further development needs. The software, which is published under the GNU GPL license on Open CoDE, is continuously supplemented with new functions and made available on an open source basis.

In summary, it can be said that the consistent promotion of open data and its use not only increases transparency, but also makes a significant contribution to shaping Dresden as a modern, livable and sustainable city. In the long term, Dresden aims to further anchor the use of open data and to actively involve citizens and companies in the process in order to overcome urban challenges more effectively.

For more information about the projects please visit TUD, the City of Dresden or the CCC.