Spatial Data on the Web WG launched

*Spatial data is integral to many of our human endeavors and so there is a
high value in making it easier to integrate that data into Web based
datasets and services. For example, one can use a GIS system to find “the
nearest restaurant” but today it is difficult to associate that restaurant
with reviewer comments available on the Web in a scalable way. Likewise,
concepts used widely on the Web such as “the United Kingdom” do not match
the geographic concepts defined in a GIS system, meaning Web developers are
missing out on valuable information available in GIS systems. Bridging GIS
systems and the Web will create a network effect that enriches both worlds.*

These are exactly the kind of issues being faced in the EU-funded
SmartOpenData <http://www.smartopendata.eu/> project that was behind the
workshop originally.

http://www.w3.org/blog/data/2015/01/06/spatial-data-on-the-web-wg-launched/

This looks like a great initiative.  Really hope that spacial data WG will
enable tools to both read and write location.  Something that some people
have talked about in this group, to create decentralized apps similar to
"four square" or hyper local services.