World Bank

Overview
Within the remit of the 'World Bank Open Data Initiative' the bank is on a mission to improve access to the data it collects and collates. Truly impressive in scope and language footprint, their comprehensive data repository is a real treasure trove of free-of-charge data and a valuable tool to support research by journalists. Of the 1,200 indicators available to browse, 'Energy and Mining' is designated as one of the key topic covered, under which data can be pulled up on 'GDP per unit of energy use', '% of nuclear and alternative energy' and 'pump price for gasoline ($), to name but a few. These can be bulk downloaded as an Excel file to be played with, or viewed as a series of ready-made graphs on the site itself. Indicators come with useful notes to help clarify their meaning.

However where the site comes into its own is the vast DataBank resource, which allows users to make customised data requests and view these made-to-measure data sets in table, chart or map form. The slick new interface designed for DataBank comes complete with an equally slick step-by-step tutorial to help you navigate your way through the vast data sets available. Once you have signed up and received your login details, you are free to save any of your creations to go back and admire in the future.

Access
A whole menu of options are available at the World Bank site, take your pick...


 * 1) download bulk data sets by country, topic or specific indicator.
 * 2) grab a 'widget', or snippets of code to embed on a website for automatically updated, 'living' data.
 * 3) use the web API to create custom visualisations and 'mashups'
 * 4) access the full 'Databank' for customised queries and selected datasets.

Highlights
The opportunities for tailor-making your own data-sets using the World Bank tools go far beyond the options on other sites. And true to the spirit of data journalism, which maintains that visual images give us a deeper understanding of information, the tool allows for the quick and easy creation of a wide range of charts and mapping options. Spotting global energy trends has never been so much fun.

How might I use it?