[Talk-in] OSM Local Chapters are coming. Looking for feedback.

[Mikel Maron]

> > Two GPS surveyors have recently been arrested by Gujarat Police:
> > http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/GPS_surveyors_booked_under_OSA_/articleshow/3831158.cms
>
> > So I suggest that we be careful  on where how the GPS device is used and
> > also work to see if we can get the government agencies recognize OSM ..
> >
> 
> That will be great :-)
> 
> Btw, does govt. have some kind of guideline/document online, regarding
> what all places to be kept out of the mapping in India, or so when to
> switch off the gps units?? Because in here suppose one photomaps a
> railway station (from a moving train & especially long-distance
> express trains doesn't stop at all stations) without any proper
> 'restiction/warning hoarding' in place, and later end up knowing its'
> a strategic location.

It's not clear if these mappers were exercising a bit of bad judgement, or if the government severely overstepped their authority. Probably both.

Rightly you point out the absurdity of the situation and these secret laws. You don't know if you're violating the law until you do. There's not even an opportunity to question the law itself. Absurd!

Judging just by this article, what these mappers were doing sounds legitimate, if a bit stupid. It wouldn't surprise me if they were harassed a bit by the authorities while surveying, but prosecution by the ATS! So a police force also hands down judicial rulings .. quite dangerous.

I'm not sure if local chapters would help in this situation or not. And I'm not sure asking for permission would help either. OSM would never have arrived where it is today if it had waited for permission .. but there's still a bit of civil protection in the UK (just a bit) and we certainly don't want arrests.

We certainly need more clarity about the rules here, to make a proper judgement.

-Mikel
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