We shared a video with you in a previous blog which provided some highlights from an event that we delivered at the Google Campus, towards the end of August 2012. The event explored the topic of location-based information and how location has, and continues to be used by new business start-ups to create innovative products, services and applications.

Many developers came along to the event, all hoping to learn more about location and how they might be able to use such data to develop their own business. And they didn’t leave disappointed. After listening to a range of guest speakers – all of whom presented their own stories and experiences around location, illustrating how they have used geographic information to create new products and services – there was an opportunity to network amongst other attendees. Many felt the evening provided a useful insight into some of the resources that are freely available – such as OS OpenData and OS OpenSpace, amongst others.

Whilst this networking event was a great introduction into the topic of location, the next event that we are hosting will be far more ‘hands-on’. Tomorrow, Wednesday 17 October, we’re holding a FREE OS OpenData Masterclass at the HUB, in Westminster, London SW1Y 4TE.

The class is a practical session, running from 6 – 9pm and will provide information around the tools and techniques needed to use and analyse a range of open datasets that are of relevance and interest. Attendees will discover how to use open source software and will learn how to access hundreds of public datasets, such as: school census data, health care provision, crime statistics and transportation data for example – many of which can be downloaded through websites such as data.gov.uk. Whilst some familiarity with web browsing and Microsoft Excel is assumed, the Masterclass should benefit any developer, start-up or entrepreneur that has a genuine interest in using geographic information to develop a business idea; but who may currently lack the knowledge and skills needed.

Please use this link to read more and register if you are interested in coming along. If there aren’t any places remaining by the time you come to read this article; or if you can’t make it tomorrow night, fear not. We’ll be running a further series of OS OpenData Masterclasses towards the end of November and will be announcing dates and venues over the next couple of weeks so keep your eyes peeled here on the blog or follow us on twitter @OrdnanceSurvey for any announcements.