Azavea Releases REST Version of Cicero API

Azavea, an award winning geospatial analysis (GIS) software development company, announces the launch of a new REST version of the Cicero web services (www.azavea.com/cicero), the company's district matching and elected official lookup API that is already used by numerous nonprofits and election watchdog groups. The Cicero API was originally launched in 2006. The new REST API extends Cicero's usability and provides users with:

    A growing collection of global election and district boundary datasets
    More contact information for elected officials
    New styling and projection options for district maps
    New API requests
    More data fields to query

Current Cicero users can access the new API calls using their current account information. New Cicero users can simply sign up for a free trial account to begin developing apps with the REST API. Azavea will continue supporting the previous version of the Cicero API for at least one year from April 1st, 2012, but will be encouraging users to transition to using the new REST API to access district-matching and elected official lookups before then. The new Cicero API will support programmers seeking to use JSON and the convenient querying capabilities inherent in a RESTful interface.

In 2012 the Cicero team will be launching several new tools and features, including:

    Newly approved but not yet in effect legislative district boundaries (launched in January 2012)
    Online subscription payment options
    Easy online batch geocoding and district and elected official stamping
    Extended user account management capabilities

Nonprofit organizations can sign up for 5,000 free credits each toward the use of the Cicero API thanks to its partnership with TechSoup Global, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making technology and technology education available and affordable to other nonprofits worldwide. As a result, the Cicero API provides nonprofits with affordable access to an array of web services that support advocacy campaigns and grass-roots lobbying activity aimed at elected legislators.

"This important dataset will help many nonprofits promote social causes and further their missions," said Roger Abraham, Vice President of Product Programs at TechSoup Global.

The Cicero API currently provides legislative district boundaries and elected official information to public and private web applications for newspapers, election watchdog groups, philanthropic foundations, unions, arts organizations and private commercial firms. For more information about the Cicero API, visit: www.azavea.com/cicero.

Azavea is an award-winning geospatial analysis (GIS) software development firm specializing in the creation of location-based web and mobile software as well as geospatial analysis services. Azavea is a certified B Corporation that applies geographic data and technology to promote the emergence of more dynamic, vibrant, and sustainable communities. Each of Azavea's projects, products and pro bono engagements showcases this commitment. Find more at www.azavea.com.