MasterMaps

United Nations has recently launched an internet-based data service for the global user community . There are currently no mapping or charting possibilities, but the data can be generously downloaded and used accoding to the terms: All data and metadata provided on UNdata’s website are available free of charge and may be copied freely, duplicated and further distributed provided that they are not put up for sale or otherwise commercially exploited and that UNdata is cited as the reference. Hopefully, national statistical offices will follow in the footsteps of the UN Statisical Division, and free "their" data. You will soon see examples of thematic world maps based on statistics from UNdata .

I've spend almost a week tweaking a world borders dataset. Since I need a dataset which I can use without restrictions, I had to dig into the public domain world. I found a proper dataset on the Mapping Hacks website . The original dataset was derived by Schuyler Erle from public domain sources, while Sean Gilles has done some clean up and enhancements. The main changes I've done are: Polygons representing one country/area are merged into one feature. Added ISO 3611-1 Country codes (alpha-2, alpha-3, numeric-3). Various feature changes to make the dataset more compatible with ISO 3611-1. Added region and sub-region codes from UN Statistical Division. Added longitude/latitude values for each country. More information on this page and in the "readme.txt" file provided with the dataset. You can download the the dataset in two resolutions. I recommend the simplified version for thematic web mapping. The dataset could be further optimised by removing small island polygon...