Shape file directory

It's a list from my perspective, I work mainly with geo data for Europe and Asian post Soviet Union countries. I wanted to keep all my sources in one place so I started this list, which I am planning to update when I find something interesting. I focus on open source shape files.

If you came across a website with shape files and you want to share it with me, it will be the happiest day of my life.

Natural Earth 

Countries, disputed areas and breakaway regions, first order admin (provinces, states, etc.), populated places, urban polygons, parks and protected areas, and many more, full list you will find here.

Terms of use: Natural Earth was built by volunteers and is free for use in any type of project.

This website was recommended to me by Allan, who has a blog with advanced geo tips.

Eurostat 

Countries

Terms of use: the data can't be used for commercial purposes, the source has to be acknowledged.

Beryllium.gis-lab.info 

First order admin of post Soviet Union countries (provinces, etc.), second order admin (provinces of the countries divided into administrative divisions), the biggest cities divided into administrative divisions. Names are in Russian.

Terms of use: it looks like open source, the website is based on voluntary work and it's non profit. As soon as I get the answer from the organization I will write more about it here.

Public Geodata for the UK 

boundary data, European boundaries and postal codes, UK environmental data, World  heritage sites, UK schedule monument data, UK registered battlefields data, archaeological data.

Terms of use: all the data sets are either free or cost under £50.

Bill Wilcox is the moderator of this amazing list.

German Census office

German boundary data: first, second and third order admin (scroll down the page).

Terms of use: open source provided by the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG). Using the data don't forget to mention the BKG as the source.

The Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy

German boundary data, German environmental data.

Terms of use: open source provided by the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG). Using the data don't forget to mention the BKG as the source.

Centralny Ośrodek Dokumentacji Geodezyjnej i Kartograficznej

To get shape file of first, second and third order admin for Poland click here => (*PRG: województwa, powiaty, gminy), Polish cities (PRNG: nazwy miejscowości).

Terms of use: open source

GIS Support

List of links to other sources consisting geo data. Polish boundary data, Polish environmental data.

Terms of use: it's list so each source has an own license.

Swedish open source -