[OSM-newbies] Copyright for street names

[Andy Allan]

On Jan 6, 2008 12:56 PM, Harald Kirsch <pifpafpuf at gmx.de> wrote:
> There are some many ways to get hold of street names. Off hand I can
> think of the following:
>
> 1) You simply know the name, because you live there or you work there or
> whatever.
> 2) You remember the name from when you recorded the GPS track there.
> 3) You remember a business' name and look it up in the phone book, there
> you find the street name.
> 4) You know a friend who lives nearby and call to ask.
> 5) You once bought a street map of the area and look it up.
> 6) You took pictures or made notes from street signs while recording the
> GPS track.
> 7) You look it up on one of the many mapping services on the net, e.g.
> google maps.
>
> Which of those methods is ok for OSM?

It's extremely important for everyone in this discussion to remember
that OSM is trying to make maps, NOT to establish legal precident in
any way. We have neither the resources, nor the inclination, to start
picking legal battles with other organisations.

So I would say 6 is the best option, and you should try to do this
whenever possible. 1, 2, and 4 are OK. 3, 5 and 7 should be avoided.

This kind of discussion should be continued on our legal-talk mailing
list, which exists for exactly this purpose.

Thanks,
Andy