[OSM-legal-talk] What types of sources can be listed that are OK to use for OSM?

[James McCloud]

There is documentation that hits on this but I am looking for more clarification and any additional sources.

Here are my own conclusions:

Definitely OK to use(whiter than white):

>From the beginners guide(http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Beginners_Guide_1.1):
  * Your own GPS traces(without data you entered while looking at your navigation source).
  * Sources already in the editors(not additional ones you add).
>From the legal faq(http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Legal_FAQ#2._Contributing):
  * Anything licensed Public Domain(PD).
  * out-of-copyright(check country specific laws) with compatible terms of use. Question here, isn't terms of use part of a copyright and thus expires with copyright?
  * Anything where permission is obtained(leaving out procedures here).
  * Other possible compatible copyrights when confirmed with the OSM community.
>From some posts/threads and license compatibility: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Import/ODbL_Compatibility
  * Anything licensed Creative Commons Zero(CC0).

Generally OK to use(if there is any doubt, don't use it): The community seems to accept some of these even though copyright is possible. Perhaps 'doubt' should be applied to a slight chance(1 in 1000?) that a source's owner would not be OK with the use for OSM.

* Anything to which copyright law does not protect, both from your source's country AND OSM's country(UK).
  What is unprotected? Examples might be names, titles, phrases, and slogans, but they cannot be used in OSM if obtained from within a copyrighted collection/database.
  Knowledge may come from copyrighted sources, so under what conditions does it become unprotected(or usable in OSM)?
  * Knowledge: Any information directly from memory in which the true source cannot be recalled.
  * Information may also be obtained from asking other people(friends, family, even complete strangers) for their knowledge.
    If there is an indication that the knowledge came from a copyrighted source then don't us it.
    Don't do anything with the intent of getting around copyright, e.g., don't ask a friend to look something up for you(not knowing their source) so you can use it for OSM.

What data obtained from a survey/walk/journey can be used?
  * Layout(as seen directly, not from a document) of roads, buildings, walls, land, water.
  * Signs: Traffic, road, access, places(name and service provided), guide posts:
    Note: Signs that are 'likely' owned by your 'national' government are 'likely' public domain. This is less likely for state and local, and most definitely not for private ownership.
      Road signs are very likely public domain and are often not creative enough to be protected.
      Names of places(shops, businesses, etc.), either since the owners don't care or welcome the advertisement. However, complaints could be made and I can think of some reasons.
      Contact Information(address, email, phone) when you physically see it(or from a photo you took of it) at the location. It should also appear to be intended for public use.
      Posted business hours are likely OK if by themselves.
      Signs that contain more information(documents) or originality/creativity are much more likely to be copyrighted and considered unacceptable for use in OSM(without proper license/permission).
        Some examples: - Any kind of map(even on a permanent outdoor display like at a historic site, or city bus route map)
                                      - Things posted on a tourist information board
                                      - a Text description of foot/bike routes with path names and access restrictions

* Information on a business card or receipt.
* Contact information for a business on it's website. It should be easy to access, and appear to be intended for public use. Note: This should probably only be used in addition to a survey, or otherwise only for well known businesses.

See also: Wikimedia has useful information on some of these things, though for photographic purposes and US based(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_subject_matter) and also(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Licensing).