National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis

This unit considers the important issue of public access to geographic information. It compares official policies of different countries toward public access to government-held information. It explains the approaches for public access to geographic information and examines the legal and societal implications that may result. Topics covered in this unit include policy issues pertaining to public access to information; the concept of information infrastructure; geospatial data clearinghouse as an approach for public access to geographic information; the legal implications of public access to geographic information; and the societal implications of public access to geographic information.