Multi-sectoral collaborative open data applications

Complex collaborative applications often involve multiple sectors and numerous heterogeneous open and private data sources. Although these applications are starting to emerge as a result of scientific and technological advances in integration and analytical data capabilities, there is a lack of understanding about the nature of collaborative multi-sectoral open data applications, their architecture and the role of open data in these applications. In this paper we describe the main features of collaborative multi-sectoral applications and illustrate our ideas using a collaborative application called “Integrated Science andWatershed Management System” (ISWMS™), which supports climate adaptation assessment and real-time predictive modeling capabilities. The collaborative efforts around building this application involve experts such as those in environment, rural and urban development, and climate change.