[Talk-GB] Ordnance Survey Public Sector Mapping Agreement

[TimSC]

Hi all,

Here is part of an email I sent to a few councils regarding rights of 
way data (footpaths, bridleways, etc):
>
> I have a big and fairly complicated request regarding the definitive 
> map. I am interested in making data more accessible to the public (as 
> encouraged by central government [1]). It would be great if the rights 
> of way data could be released without restriction, specifically the 
> definite map. As you probably know, the rights of way data is derived 
> from Ordnance Survey products which until now has prevented this data 
> being released without restriction because of copyright. However OS 
> will soon introduce the Public Sector Mapping Agreement which defines 
> how government bodies can use OS products [2]. This includes a new 
> mechanism for public bodies to request datasets that have been derived 
> from OS products to be release either licensed as "OS OpenData" or 
> "Free to Use" (section 2.5 of the license [3]).
> [1] http://data.gov.uk/
> [2] 
> http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/business/sectors/government/psma/ 
>
> [3] 
> http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/business/sectors/government/psma/docs/psma-member-licence.pdf 


Kent County Council wrote back:

> Dear Mr Sheerman-Chase
> Thank you for your email.
> I will forward your suggestions and comments to the Head of the Service
> and Definitive Map Team.
> Kind regards
> Countryside Access Service

Does anyone have any ideas on how to actually get the councils to apply 
to OS to exempt their data and release it? Currently, I get the 
impression that they don't rate data openness as a high priority - they 
just nod and smile until I go away. It would be good to get this data 
for quality assurance or even ... dun dun dunnnnn... importing. Could we 
start a petition? Or use any contacts the community has to make this 
happen? Any other data sets worth liberating?

Once we have set a precedent, it should be easier to get other councils 
to comply, because of the way the OS exemption process works.

Thoughts?

Regards, TimSC

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