[OSM-legal-talk] new use case

[Richard Weait]

I'm pretty sure that Martijn means "does NOT allow", rather than "now".  :-)

So, whatever you are planning, Jennifer, hitting the editing API is
probably going to get you some unwanted attention.  There are other
ways to access the OpenStreetMap data, and you'll want to make sure
that you are using one of those approved methods that is suitable to
your use case.  To be clear, accessing and using OpenStreetMap data is
"okay", all else being equal. Causing inappropriate stress on
OpenStreetMap Foundation resources is not okay. Let's presume that you
are going to use the replication data method to keep a local and
current version of OpenStreetMap data, so you won't be loading the
editing API.

What you describe in very general terms does sound like case 3 from
that wiki page, [1]. "I want to publish something based on
OpenStreetMap data and my own data."

So where you ask, "1) is this allowed,"  I would say, "yes, the
license grants you permission so long as you comply with the terms of
the license."

and where you ask "2) If so, how would I give credit if nothing is
displayed? Or would I not have to give credit since no map or direct
data is displayed?"

This answer is more complicated.  You are obliged to give credit, that
is one of the license terms.  So if you fail to give credit, you
haven't got a license to use and republish the data.  Additionally,
there is the share-alike obligation.  So, if that applies, you'll have
to meet that obligation as well.  You've been very general about the
nature of the external data you plan to consult, so I don't know if
you'll have an obligation to share-alike.

How would you give credit?  You should do so in a manner suitable or
customary to the medium.  Consider the TV credit roll mentioned in the
wiki.  For say, cupcakes or ear rings made with OpenStreetMap data, I
would expect a notation on the packaging.  For a wall clock, or
coasters, I would expect a label on the back.[2]  For electronic
hardware I'd expect credit in the firmware and the documentation.  So,
in short, the credit should be where a user, or consumer, or developer
(or mapper) would expect it.  Credit shouldn't be somewhere hidden
behind a disused file cabinet.  :-)

Best regards and happy mapping,
Richard

[1] http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/License/Use_Cases#Case_3:_I_want_to_publish_something_based_on_OSM_and_my_own_data
[2] http://weait.com/coasters.png