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The Flemish Smart Data Space (FSDS)

FSDS enables private companies, public administrations and other organisations to participate in confidence in the data economy by publishing dynamic data (sourced from sensors and wearables, for instance) and more static context data in an innovative way in a data space. Using a Linked Data Event Stream (LDES) brings plenty of advantages within reach of both users and providers. More data lead to more innovation.

How does FSDS work?

Flemish Smart Data Space operates by the following principles:

Open Standards

Standards and specifications are needed to merge data and make it work together. Clear agreements must be made about storing, offering and sharing data, both technically and semantically.

To standardise data flows, the VSDS works according to the OSLO principles.

Ready-made software building blocks for organisations

A number of building blocks (software components) are available with which interested parties can get started right away.

These include open source software solutions for consuming, linking and publishing linked data. This is scalable and efficient, and each party chooses which data to share.

Unlocking data with FSDS - 2 practical examples

The sharing economy and public transport

Information islands leave the power of data untapped. Added value is generated by combining them. Think of data on the departure times of trains and buses and the availability of shared bicycles at stations. The value of these data increases exponentially depending on the extent to which users can link multiple data (weather, air quality, ...) across various domains (traffic, climate, ...).

Water

Another example is data concerning water, such as water quality, groundwater levels and the flow rate of rivers and streams. Various parties, such as municipalities, utilities, the Flemish Environment Agency and private companies, make observations using their sensors. They each store the resulting data in their data systems.

On the other hand, a decentralised data ecosystem like FSDS uses data standards and software building blocks to make these data retrievable by other parties within the data ecosystem. As a result, other parties also use the data, allowing for interesting cross-pollination. So the waters will flow and also the data... 

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VSDS - a product by Digitaal Vlaanderen

For the latest information on FSDS, visit the website of Digitaal Vlaanderen

Read more about FSDS

Frequently asked questions about FSDS

What does the FSDS mean?

FSDS stands for Flemish Smart Data Space. It is based on an innovative approach for decentral publishing of dynamic, fast-changing data (from sensors, for instance) combined with context data. Using innovative Linked Data Event Streams (LDES) - a new standard for data publication - results in more data becoming more usable to more companies.

What can companies use FSDS for?

Flemish Smart Data Space enables companies to combine dynamic data and more static data smoothly. It provides a solution for cost efficient and application domain independent high-volume data publishing, including of historic data.

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