Over the last few years the rise in map based websites has been phenomenal. They range in content from the trivial to the essential. For example one can find websites ranging from those where users find the nearest restaurant to those tracking the activities of their local Member of Parliament.

What makes these websites unique is that:

• they combine data from various sources to create a new service
• users contribute to these sites through content and add value to existing data sources
• content from the website is accessible via a number of devices
• third party developers can access the data and tools on these websites in a simple and standard way.

In this presentation we will explore some questions regarding the role of government as a new generation of users demand greater accessibility to data and services in format of their choosing. It will address questions such as:

• How can government data providers play a constructive role in the Web2.0 ecosystem?
• How can government apply the tools of mass collaboration to better engage its stakeholders and improve its services?
• How can government use Web2.0 techniques to expose their data sources to a wider range of audience?