How can I compile an IP address to country lookup database to make available for free?
- by Nick
How would I go about compiling an accurate database of IP addresses and their related countries to make available as an open source download for any web developer who wants to perform a geographic IP lookup?
It seems that a company called MaxMind has a monopoly on geographic IP data, because most online tutorials I've seen for country lookups based on IP addresses start by suggesting a subscription to MaxMind's paid service (or their less accurate free 'Lite' version).
I'm not completely averse to paying for their solution or using the free one, but the concept of an accurate open source equivalent that anyone can use without restriction appeals to me, and I think it would be useful for the web development community.
How is geographic IP data collected, and how realistic is it to hope to maintain an up-to-date open version?