Unlock access to urban data to support policy and research

UBDC combines technical expertise on data and Artificial Intelligence with critical social science insight. We support researchers, governmental agencies and non-governmental stakeholders to unlock the potential of data through the design of innovative data management and visualisation platforms. Explore our data catalogue and the services offered by our research data and software engineering team.

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Data and Engineering Services for Supporting Research and Policy

At the Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC), our goal is to empower researchers to derive meaningful insights from complex urban data. We provide more than just access; our team of research software engineers and researchers is available to help you navigate the technical and ethical landscapes of urban analytics.

UBDC provides a comprehensive suite of curated datasets and data resources designed to empower researchers, policymakers, and organisations in their mission to better understand and improve our cities. By bridging the gap between complex urban data and actionable insights, we offer high-quality research evidence to address critical challenges in domains such as transport, housing, and urban sustainability. Whether you are looking for open-access, safeguarded, or controlled datasets, our data services are tailored to support impactful research and evidence-based policy development.

Whether you need assistance understanding the nuances of a specific dataset, advice on how to legally and technically combine multiple data sources, or guidance on using sensitive data responsibly, we are here to help. We provide the expertise to ensure your data preparation is robust, allowing you to focus on your core research questions. By offering technical support and clarity on data governance, we ensure that researchers at all levels can leverage urban big data to produce impactful, high-quality evidence for the urban challenges of today.

What Data is Available at UBDC

UBDC provides a wide range of curated datasets that capture the pulse of urban life, helping researchers understand how cities function and evolve. Our datasets span four key areas

Housing and Property

UK housing property listings on rentals and sales (e.g., Zoopla) to analyse market trends, property values, and affordability.

Transport and Mobility

Data on travel patterns, public transport accessibility, and traffic flows to improve urban infrastructure and connectivity.

Environment and Sustainability

Information on air quality, carbon emissions, and the in-home environment to support sustainable urban planning.

By bridging private smart data and public records, we offer the multi-dimensional evidence needed to tackle modern urban challenges and address the social, economic, and environmental challenges in our cities today.

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Explore the Urban Big Data Catalogue

The UBDC Data Catalogue is your primary gateway to discovering our extensive collection of urban datasets. With a user-friendly design, the catalogue allows you to browse diverse data sources in our data service and gain a clear understanding of how each can be applied to your research or policy work.

Each listing provides essential details on data structure and specific access conditions. Whether you require freely available Open Data or more sensitive Safeguarded and Controlled datasets that require more specific training and skills, the catalogue outlines the necessary steps and licensing requirements for each of the datasets. We encourage you to dive into our catalogue to identify the high-quality data sources from UBDC to drive your urban research forward.

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How Researchers
Can Access Data

Accessing our datasets is a straightforward process designed to balance research innovation with data security. Depending on the data sensitivity, license requirement, and ethics consideration, our data is available through three primary tiers:

Open Access

Many datasets are freely available for immediate download and use under open licenses.

Safeguarded Access

These datasets require users to sign into an End User Licence (EUL) to ensure the safeguarded usage of the datasets. Typically, a brief project summary is required for approval, along with other data usage terms and conditions.

Controlled Access

For highly sensitive or confidential data, access is only provided through secure environments. This requires researcher accreditation, training, and a formal project application to be approved by the UBDC team.

Navigating data agreements, security protocols, and training can feel complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our team is here to support you at every stage of the application process, ensuring you can access the data you need efficiently and securely.

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Data Governance and Responsible Use

Most of the urban data we curate—particularly when it involves human movement or social survey - contains sensitive information. At UBDC, we take our role as data stewards seriously, operating under a robust governance framework that ensures all data is handled with the highest ethical and legal standards.

Our access protocols are carefully designed to protect individual privacy and ensure that research is conducted for the public good. We strictly adhere to UK data protection legislation and work closely with data providers to maintain trust and transparency. By implementing these rigorous standards, we provide a secure environment where researchers can explore complex urban issues without compromising privacy. You can be confident that any data accessed through our services is managed with integrity and a deep commitment to responsible research.

Work with UBDC Research Data and Sofware Engineers

We invite academic researchers, public/private sector partners, and third-sector organisations to engage with our extensive data resources to drive urban innovation. At UBDC, we believe that the most impactful insights come from collaboration across sectors. By working with us, you gain access to a dedicated team of experts ready to help you navigate complex urban datasets and address pressing societal challenges.

Our data-driven approach is designed to inform smarter decision-making—from improving local transport networks to understanding shifting of housing needs. Whether you are an academic looking for a novel dataset or a policymaker seeking evidence to support a new initiative, our resources are here to help you turn data into action. Start your journey today and discover how our data service can support your next ambitious project.