[Talk-GB] BIS report on open national address data

[Andrew Gray]

Spotted this today and thought it would be interesting from an OSM perspective:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/an-open-national-address-gazetteer

"There have been long standing calls for the government to treat
address data as a national asset that is free to use and re-use.
People argue that the wider economic and social benefits are likely to
far outweigh the costs, while recognising that there are quality,
maintenance, commercial, legal and financial issues to be resolved."

"This review analyses current products and considers of user
requirements and options for open addresses. It is based on open data
principles that public information should be accessible and freely
available to the widest number of government and non-government
organisations. It looks at current address products and market
structures. The review also considers the potential for efficiencies
and cost savings in current practice."

Executive summary:

"UK society relies heavily on address data and current products have
helped greatly to create benefit. The review has determined that Open
usage would result in substantial and valuable growth among new user
types and with even greater community benefit. The recommendation is
that a basic address product should be free to all users at the point
of use under the Open Government Licence while premium versions would
still be sold, leaving current production and maintenance roles much
as they are today."

They're looking for comments and responses.

-- 
- Andrew Gray
  andrew.gray at dunelm.org.uk