Here at OpenPlans, we build a lot of web apps with full-screen maps as the primary UI. This is a particularly interesting design challenge when you consider the plethora of mobile devices, tablets, and monitors out there. We want the citizens using our apps to have a rewarding experience, regardless of screen size. How do Read more…
PlanningPress is our web platform for engagement in urban planning projects. We’re working on it in partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation. PlanningPress powers DOT’s Transportation Feedback Portals. Each portal presents a project and helps the public to be part of the planning process. Take a look at the Jackson Heights portal. The website introduces the changes Read more…
+ Absolutely beautiful water tower sculpture now roofing it in DUMBO, NYC. via curbed.com + NYC’s first first sustainability hackathon: Reinvent Green, a joint initiative of NYC Digital and the Mayor’s Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability. via nyc.gov + The Bloomberg Foundation’s Mayor Challenge: a challenge from the Bloomberg Foundation to ‘make government work better’ (sounds familiar!) Team up with a city, Read more…
Apple’s new iOS 6 operating system is getting as much buzz for the newly added features as it is for what’s been removed: to the disappointment of many, Apple dropped the currently pre-installed Google Maps app, and with it Google’s transit directions. Future iOS users will need to install third-party apps for transit information. The Read more…
A New Way to Analyze CaBi Data A version of this entry was posted at Greater Greater Washington on June 13, 2012. Bike sharing has emerged in US cities over the last five years to wide praise from bicycle advocates, and transit supporters as well because of its natural ability to complement transit services. Many Read more…
Last week there was a whole lot of chatter regarding the public policy, compliance and regulatory front. Which regulations go too far, which policies are too invasive and just when and how can we improve the chances that citizens voices be heard in health care and in the legislative processes? Here’s a summary of things OpenPlansers where Read more…
“An Internet service cannot be considered truly successful until it has attracted spammers.” – Rafe’s law I’ve been thinking about comment spam a lot lately, and more generally spam in any kind of user-uploaded content. Here’s a story. Back in 2008, we at OpenPlans developed a site for the Orton Family Foundation called communityalmanac.org. It’s a Read more…