Open application programming interface (API) is an unknown term for most non-technical people. A little bit scary – or at least dubious. What is it? Why should we make one, is it worth getting familiar with? What benefits could it have?

Although the technical development of an API is a task for professional coders, the basic understanding of how it works and the benefits it can bring are for everyone to enjoy. To help understand, HRI and Marker Wizards have worked together to produce a short whiteboard video. It showcases the benefits of Open APIs and a few examples from the Helsinki Metropolitan area.

The video is also available in Finnish and Swedish.

Earlier, HRI and Marker Wizards released a three-minute whiteboard video about the concept of open data and the role of HRI.

Translation: Kaarlo Uutela

The text of the video

Open application programming interface – to make life easier

Wouldn’t it be great if the information you need in everyday life would be easily at your disposal and up-to-date on websites, applications or other digital services? This is already the reality in some places in the Helsinki region. It is made possible by open data and an open application programming interface, or API.

The cities in the Helsinki region have made their public information available as open data via the hri.fi service. This data is shared for free use either as files or via open APIs.

An open API facilitates the use and maintenance of data. Via an open API, it is possible to fetch data in a format understood by computers. So that anyone can create applications for different needs. The best known among applications that use open interfaces are different kinds of public transportation apps. In addition, data obtained via event interfaces and service map APIs are used in many contexts.

Open APIs and open data can be used freely by anyone, and you don’t have to have programming skills to come up with new ways of using open data. The owner of a set of open data may be surprised by new ways of using information that can be accessed via their open API – especially when data obtained from various sources is combined in innovative ways. Cities can also benefit from open interfaces: via the APIs, the data can be accessed for the city’s own use more quickly – saving resources.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? The Helsinki region is a forerunner for open APIs. Our work continues, and if you wish to participate in creating a more open world, we are happy to help you at Helsinki Region Infoshare.