How can I browse datasets on OpenDataPhilly?

You can browse datasets on OpenDataPhilly in two main ways: use the Browse all datasets entry to see the full catalog, or use Browse by Category to narrow the catalog by topic. Both entry points are available from the OpenDataPhilly homepage, and the site also provides a View related dataset link for moving to related records.

Start from the homepage

OpenDataPhilly describes itself as a catalog of open data in the Philadelphia region. It is the official open data repository for the City of Philadelphia, and it also includes datasets from many organizations in the region.

From the homepage, the browsing options are:

• Browse all datasets — the direct entry to the full catalog.
• Browse by Category — the topical entry that groups datasets under subject headings.
• View related dataset — a link for reaching a related dataset record.

If you already know you want to search the whole catalog, start with Browse all datasets. If you are exploring and do not yet know which dataset you need, start with Browse by Category.

Browse by category

The category list on the homepage covers these topics:

Choose the category closest to your question, then review the datasets listed under it. This is the faster route when your topic maps cleanly onto one of the categories above — for example, transportation data, public safety data, or budget and finance data.

Which browsing route to use

What to expect

OpenDataPhilly is organized as a catalog, so browsing is primarily directory and category navigation rather than a single search box. The homepage gives you the category structure up front, which means you can move from a broad topic to a specific dataset without needing to know a dataset name in advance.

Because the catalog includes both City of Philadelphia data and datasets from many other organizations in the region, a category may contain records from multiple providers. Check the individual dataset record for the provider and details before you rely on it.