[Talk-us] Importing County Data

[stevea]

I'm speaking very broadly here, as I don't know specific law in Iowa.  Some states (like California, where I am) have "open records" laws that make state-published maps (even when by a county, after all, a county is simply a subdivision of the state) quite public and easy to "green flag" in OSM.

Yes, I see what Mike has pointed out, and that does look like it could very well be a "hard gotcha."  (Stop, do not import).  OTOH, if Iowa DOES have "open records" some gentle push-back here might allow the county to see, um, (again, very politely), the "error of its ways."  Hand-wave with a smile and "misunderstandings DO happen..." sort of attitude and maybe you proceed.

It's a pretty "must stand tall" sort of thing to do, so please know that OSM's standards remain high for these (I'm sure you do, I'm simply reminding).  Offering my perspective, perhaps it is of assistance.