# Play two: Map the data ecosystem

**Data access initiatives commonly require engagement with multiple stakeholders as they address complex challenges through collecting, sharing or using data.** This need to collaborate, involve and sometimes influence stakeholders to improve access to data can be made easier by understanding your initiative’s data ecosystem. A [**data ecosystem map**](https://theodi.org/article/mapping-data-ecosystems/) can support you devising your initiative’s roadmap to building data infrastructure by showing how the data and value flows, identifying key stakeholders, and highlighting gaps.

| <p><strong>Activities in this step include:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="play-two-map-the-data-ecosystem/list-and-interview-your-stakeholders"><strong>Engaging with key stakeholders</strong></a></li><li><a href="play-two-map-the-data-ecosystem/create-an-ecosystem-map"><strong>Mapping data flows and value exchanges in the ecosystem</strong></a></li><li><a href="play-two-map-the-data-ecosystem/identify-gaps-barriers-and-opportunities"><strong>Identifying gaps, barriers and opportunities in the data ecosystem that your initiative can address</strong></a></li></ul><p><strong>By the end of this section you should be able to:</strong> </p><ul><li><strong>Understand the key stakeholders to engage</strong></li><li><strong>Have a clear understanding of the data ecosystem</strong></li><li><strong>Define an action plan to tackle your problem statement</strong></li></ul> |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |