[Talk-GB] Definitive Paths Map Source

[Robert Whittaker (OSM Talk GB)]

On 11 May 2010 21:30, martyn <info at dynoyo.plus.com> wrote:
> In Hertfordshire, East Herts publish maps that are drawn on top of an OS
> layer.  But for each parish, they also publish a text description of
> each numbered right of way, last updated in 2006.  Useful as not all
> real-world physical signs have the number.  So using that with the NPE
> layer in Potlatch it should be possible to check and reconstruct the
> present ROWs.
>
> Anyone see any problems with this method?

If the textural descriptions (known as the "Definitive Statement")
have been written in part by someone looking at the maps (rather than
just looking at the ground) then there is argument that they too are a
derivative work of the OS maps, and hence contain IP rights belonging
to OS.

I don't know exactly what copyright protects, so wouldn't like to
comment on whether or not the argument is valid. But without expert
legal advice, I don't think it's a risk OSM should take.

On the bright side though, I thought part of the result of the OS
consultation was that they would look to clarify the rules on derived
data. In particular, this may help with respect to PRoW data.

Another avenue in the mean time would be to get copies of the
definitive map and statement as they were 50 years ago (for which
crown copyright will have expired), and also a list of paths that have
been modified since (modification orders are hard to get, so there may
not be that many). We can then get definitive information on most of
the current public rights of way.

-- 
Robert Whittaker