Data literacy is becoming a critical skill for policymakers, public administrators, and urban planners. It involves not only the ability to read and interpret data, but also to critically assess its quality, reliability, and relevance for decision-making.

In the context of transport policy and urban planning, dashboards and visualisation tools such as PoliVisu, Pilsen Traffic Map, or the Flanders Safety Map provide large volumes of data in interactive formats. However, without sufficient data literacy, stakeholders may misinterpret trends, overlook anomalies, or fail to leverage insights for policy improvements.

Building data literacy requires a combination of training, practice with real datasets, and access to user-friendly tools. Initiatives like the PoliVisu Toolbox aim to bridge the gap by allowing non-experts to explore complex datasets, test policy scenarios, and make evidence-based decisions.

Ultimately, enhancing data literacy strengthens policy co-creation, fosters transparency, and supports the development of more effective, equitable, and sustainable solutions. It ensures that data becomes not just an archive of information, but a practical tool for informed decision-making.