RE: FN-FORUM: Ordnance Survey map data

date posted 16th May 2007 22:34

I think it really comes down to the fact that the OS have spent millions
collecting and storing the data. So they are very protective of it. If any
underlying data is from the OS source then they can claim it is a
derivative.

About six months ago I did a google mashup for a half marathon. And to make
sure that the data wasn't a derivative we went around the course with a GPS
and recorded the route, defined the GML then polylined it onto a google map.
This was the same for all the marker points of hotels, toilets, sponge
station and carparks. It was after this we discovered that the route is
already mapped officially by the race organisers? No derivative work there.

When asked to do this for commercial sites, such a villa properties or
holiday lettings, I either use a geocoder in the google search tool, AJAX it
and pull out the coordinates, all within the licence of Google. Or use a
"show me where your property is" marker drop on a google map which records a
LAT/LNG. So far both of these approaches seem to be OK.

Showing a cycle route on a google map could be done in a similar way. Using
a layer to add a poyline after using multiple points to map it out. This is
the same as drawing a line between two points on an OS map, no copyright
infringement there.



Peter
> Subject: Re: FN-FORUM: Ordnance Survey map data
>
>
> > 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/inter
> naluse.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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