Re: FN-FORUM: Ordnance Survey map data

date posted 16th May 2007 21:21

> I may be wide of the mark here, but if I read a map, create a list of
> grid references and give them to you that isn't a map.
>
> if I then mark those points on my map then I've marked up my map.
>
> neither of which feels to me like copyright infringement.

Nor to me, but recent issues suggest that OS does consider it a copyright
infringement if you publish those points. It's OK to give them to a
friend, as that is covered by "personal use".

> my list of GR's isn't a derivative work, surely?

I'd love to know, will let you all know if I get an answer back from the
OS. At the moment it would appear that your list _is_ a derivative work,
and as such cannot be placed on a web site without a license (see reply
from OS below).

It must be a matter of scale. A few points probably isn't a problem,
tracing an entire road network might well be. In the past this was easy to
understand, as manually generating lists of grid references to define a
route would be slow and painful from a paper map. Now it's much easier as
you can click on a digital version. Would still take a very long time, or
lots of people (and that might be an issue too!), to trace all the roads
in the UK.

FWIW, the OS replied to my original question (can I publish routes traced
from OS maps) as follows:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you for your email regarding tracing a route and/or a derivative
work.

If you are just using the route information for personal use then that is
allowed. The same applies if you wish to share this with your friends, as
long as it is for personal use. You will need to show the appropriate
acknowledgement though. This can be found in the terms and conditions from
the link below.

If you then wish to place these routes on a website then you will need to
apply for a Paper Map Copying Licence. This allows you to copy unlimited
copies of mapping and to place mapping on a web site, providing there is
no advertising or sponsorship. Please see the following link from our web
site to find more information including how to apply on line;

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/business/copyright/purpose/internaluse.html

You will require this as the route has been derived from the Ordnance
Survey map originally.

The same would apply if you used a shape like a field or a National Park;
you can if it is for personal use.

I do hope you will find this useful.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Of course, plotting the route on a Google Map may well blow the "no
advertising or sponsorship" clause, as Google intend to add advertising to
the Maps API at some point...

As you can see, the "Paper Map Copying License" has had some
internet-related bits shoe-horned into it, but none seems very relevant
for my route publishing.

Yet another instance of the Internet, and its massive international
audience, making existing laws meaningless...

Anthony
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