WhyOpenGeodata


 * Access to public information.
 * For public information to be truly exploited, it needs to be as widely available as possible.
 * from EC Directive 2003/98/EC on the exploitation of public sector information:

Public sector information is an important primary material for digital content... Broad cross-border geographical coverage will also be essential in this context.


 * Ability to analyse public information for social good.
 * Geographic data underpins services such as http://writetothem.com/ and http://theyworkforyou.com/
 * Participation in public services, transport and planning all rely on access to this information.
 * Expansion of economic activity
 * Lack of database copyright restrictions is proven to generate activity
 * Opening the data leads to increased competitiveness in the service market
 * Open data means more innovation.
 * Strengths of "Commons" licensing model
 * An "Attribution-Sharealike" license would require the user to redistribute updates to the data.
 * Non-commercial use is not on a "supplication" basis; benefit is maximised.
 * Social failure of current pay-for "cost-recovery" model
 * Over 50% of sales are to government - a false economy of 60 million UKP
 * Ordinary citizens and non-profits can't afford the data