[OSM-talk] Breach of Copyright?

[Dave F.]

Mike Harris wrote:
> There may be a misunderstanding here - the Definitive Map is a legal 
> document and was (in almost all cases produced a long time ago - 
> interesting thought in passing - if it is 50 years old would it be out 
> of copyright! The initiating legislation is the National Parks and 
> Access to the Countryside Act 1949 so some could be almost that old). 
> Almost all Definitive Maps are years earlier than GPS. The nice men 
> from the council with cheap yellow GPS units (they can't usually 
> afford good ones) are surveying the paths with respect to the 
> definitive map to build a database on path condition to assist their 
> statutory duties of maintenance etc. and to cover their backsides in 
> case of legal action against them e.g if someone gets hurt on a path - 
> this wonderful litigious modern world!
>  
> Very few Councils indeed (exceptions may be one or two major cities 
> who were initially exempt) are still producing definitive maps - just 
> amending them from time to time in respect of a particular path.
>  
> Mike Harris
Some cities, including mine, have never had one, but must have had a 
kick up the ass, because last year the were signs tied to lampposts 
asking the public if, when & how they used these various paths.
They were produced for the surrounding country side, and are being 
updated, but not for the urban city centre.

The job of surveying was tendered out to a (hopefully) professional 
surveying company so hopefully they're top of the range yellow units!

Cheers
Dave F.