Open Geo Data/Worldwide
From Open Knowledge Foundation
Global Policy on Open Access to Government-owned Geographic Data
US Policy
By federal law in the US there can be no copyright on data generated by central government, nor can it be charged for at more than the cost of distribution. An amazing wealth of geographic data is generated by the | United States Geological Survey, the | Census Bureau and the | National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The latter is only big source of comprehensive worldwide gazetteer data and shapes for different countries' administrative regions.
Canadian Policy
In 2001, KPMG Canada published a comprehensive government-commissioned report on Geodata Policy. It sampled the cost recovery and data distribution practises of a range of Canadian national and local government agencies.
It should be noted that much of the current cost recovery practices are adversely affecting other government departments. Based on our sample, over $4.3M (40%)
http://geogratis.cgdi.gc.ca/ is the Canadian spatial data infrastructure portal. It offers topographic and environmental models for free download, though GIS data for street level mapping is still not being made available, though there are firm policy committments.
Danish Policy
http://dk.space.frot.org/doc/kms-data.html
due to an agreement between the state, regions and counties of Denmark, public data regarding addresses are available to the public starting january 1st 2003.
Australian Policy
The Australian government geodata policy states that "Fundamental spatial data will be provided free of charge over the Internet, and at no more than the marginal cost of transfer for packaged products"
