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description: Open Data South Africa (March - August 2018)
---

# Challenge: Spatial Transformation

Most issues in South Africa are related to the spatial structure of society and our economy. Apartheid moved the majority of South Africans far away from work opportunities and key economic resources, which means that it is relatively difficult/ expensive for people to live and for government to provide infrastructure. We want to see how wider use of spatial data can improve planning and access to services.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
If you’ve done basic spreadsheet editing and used Google Maps then you can source spatial data and create exciting spatial data visualisations on a variety of topics, from service delivery locations to natural resources.&#x20;

**Read our** [**mini-guide**](../open-data-resources/working-with-spatial-data) **for a quick intro and example you can try or browse this** [**list**](broken-reference) **of spatial data resources.**
{% endhint %}

## Spatial policy areas

Policy areas that have a strong spatial dimensions often include:

* Human settlements: is my house too far from work?
* Access to service delivery: how far away is the clinic?
* Infrastructure and utilities: where should a new road be built?
* Economic activity: where do I find new customers for my business?

To address spatial challenges, there are national government departments coordinating spatial planning and most provinces and municipalities have spatial development frameworks or plans that are meant to guide land use and infrastructure rollout.

## Challenge activities

### 3 March: Land Dataquest

A Land Dataquest was held on 3 March at Innovate Durban. See this [blog](https://opendata.durban/2018/03/08/land-dataquest-understanding-land-ownership-sa/) by Open Data Durban.

### 20-21 July: Spatial Hackathon Northern Cape

Open Data South Africa and the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) are co-hosting a spatial hackathon as part of a national Spatial Transformation Challenge between March and August 2018.

The hackathon is a 2-day open event where citizens, students, designers, journalists, developers and data scientists teach each other how to use open data services like Wazimap and create new insights around spatial topics in the Northern Cape.

* **When:** 12h30 on 20 July to 17h00 on 21 July 2018
* **Where:** Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa Attendance: No fee, everyone welcome.&#x20;
* **Register:** [here](http://bit.ly/SpatialHackNCRSVP) before 10 July 2018
* **Optional preparation event:** OpenCampus (GeoData scraping and extraction) on 18 July (15h00 - 17h00) at ATTI College. Directions [here](https://goo.gl/maps/rZKxNoNr6s82).

For more information see the brief and working programme [here](http://bit.ly/SpatialHackNCProg).

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