Norway will open its topographic datasets to the public!

Today, 30th April 2013, is a milestone of the mapping history of Norway. Together with two governmental ministers, the Norwegian Mapping Authority announced they will open its topographic datasets to the public, free of charge. Norway will follow progressive countries like Denmark, Finland and New Zealand, considering geographic data as a public good.

The topographic datasets at 1:50,000 scale will be freely available later this year, together with address, road and cadastre data. A database of 950,000 place names was released to the public one month ago. Hopefully, digital elevation data will be free as well, but it's not yet stated.

Cheers!

Cross-country skiing in Norway

It's been a great winter in Norway. Pleny of snow, lots of sunshine and good skiing conditions, except from my last trip where we caught in a storm and luckily found our way back to the hut. Outdoors was what got me into mapping in the first place. A hike is much more enjoyable with a good trekking map, and on my last trip I really experienced how crucial a GPS can be.

As I spent my free time skiing there's been no time for blogging, so I decied to post a few photos instead. Cross-country skiing in Norway is highly recommended!

Mt. Gaustatoppen, where you can see one sixth of Norways mainland from the top.

A view of Rondane,  the oldest national park in Norway. 

Mountain pasture used for the grazing of sheep and cattle in the western part of Norway. 

By the Hardangerfjord, the third largest fjord in the world.

Skiing in Dovre National Park.

PS! I'll start a new blog series on mapping with D3.js in June. Stay tuned!