I see that the underlying IP to Geo data is consolidated by MaxMind. Where does MaxMind get this data? I wish this data was open sourced.
Just because it requires effort does not mean it can't be done in an open source way.
2) IP Spidering via traceroutes / RIPE/etc data.
3) Agreements with third parties that have IP/Address mapping due to data supplied from users. [least accurate]
That'd be my guess anyway.
But there's also a NSA patent on this topic, "Method for geolocating logical network addresses" (filed in 2000).
https://patents.google.com/patent/US6947978B2/en?oq=6%2c947%...
Not anymore, maybe they are reading HN as well :-)
2023-09-15 - Adjusted expiration
> 2019-12-09 - Application status is Expired - Fee Related
2005-09-20 - Publication of US6947978B2
2005-09-20 - Application granted
2002-07-04 - Publication of US20020087666A1
2000-12-29 - Assigned to GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AS REPRESENTED BY DIR. NAT. SECURITY AGENCY, THE NSA GENERAL COUNSEL (IP&T)
2000-12-29 - Priority to US09/752,898
2000-12-29 - Application filed by National Security Agency