Research and Data Assistance Requests (RADAR)

A community service provided by BetaNYC’s Civic Innovation Lab

What is RADAR?

A system that will help you address anything related to open data — from your block to borough to national border, we help you research and assist your understanding of data and data systems.

We welcome all your data needs! None is too small (though occasionally, a RADAR may be too large and we try to find it a new home, such as NYU Wagner Capstone classes), and there are never any “dumb” questions.

RADAR has served Borough President Offices, Community Boards, Council Offices, City Agencies, non-profits, community-based organizations and coalitions, universities, and media organizations. Do you work at one of these? Our services are open to you! Not only will we help you meet your needs, but through our process, you will learn new information and skills about data and technology.

And best of all, most of the time, the service is absolutely free!.

How do I use it?

Using this simple online form, submit your data question or need and define your vision of success.

Within a week, we will contact you to ask initial questions, refine the scope of work, and estimate the timeline.

Fill out the RADAR form

BetaNYC’s Civic Innovation Lab has serviced over 100 RADARs. Explore some highlights of our work below.

Boundaries Map

Facilitates the work of government staff, especially around contacting the appropriate representatives for any given area in the City.

Manhattan CB 3 Demographics

For CB 3 to justify and strengthen their requests in the Statement of District Needs.

Vulnerable Religious Facilities

Starting point for a guidebook for faith-based institutions, and a Religious Facilities Task Force dedicated to this topic.
View more in our project gallery

Our Partners

History of RADAR

For the last few years, we have worked with the Manhattan Borough President and NYC’s Community Boards to address their complex data and analytical needs. This collaboration resulted in RADAR, a free service we now provide to local government offices and community-based organizations to help with one-off data analytics projects. Fellows and apprentices, who are trained in our Civic Innovation Lab, work alongside our staff to meet your data needs.

On this page, learn more about the 100+ RADAR projects they have worked on and fill out a request if you have one!

Need research or data assistance?

Submit a RADAR

Questions? Email us at dataassistance@beta.nyc