Easy to find datasets but hard to use data collected by the government - for example, tons of gov data is released in PDF format (and other obscure XML formats). Even when the data is available in machine readable formats, you still need to read through 50 page read me/data dictionary files to understand the meaning of the data.
There is tremendous value in cleaning and repackaging this data in easy formats (offering an API would be awesome too). Even better if the provider can offer human support.
Obviously it would be ideal if the government releases all this data in easy formats in the first place, which a lot of governments do, but not all. The second best thing is for some private companies to help, even if they charge for it.
Not your parent commenter, but speaking from experience.
Here is a trivial example : I was looking for a list of all government websites (and their social media accounts), starting with federal all the way to small towns. There are lists, but none complete - at least I couldn't find, and definitely not with their social media handles.
There is tremendous value in cleaning and repackaging this data in easy formats (offering an API would be awesome too). Even better if the provider can offer human support.
Obviously it would be ideal if the government releases all this data in easy formats in the first place, which a lot of governments do, but not all. The second best thing is for some private companies to help, even if they charge for it.
Not your parent commenter, but speaking from experience.
Here is a trivial example : I was looking for a list of all government websites (and their social media accounts), starting with federal all the way to small towns. There are lists, but none complete - at least I couldn't find, and definitely not with their social media handles.