6th May 2009, 06:00 PM
In light of the discussion about the use of Google Maps to present HER data, I had an interesting discussion with our Corporate GIS people today. Apparently using Google Map to display any OS derived data is a breach of the terms and conditions of the OS licence agreement.
There has been a long debate between Google and the OS about terms of use because at present if you display your data on Google Map you are giving Google the rights to the data. This is an infringement of the OS licence as all HER data (to my knowledge) is derived from OS data in that it uses the Projected National Grid for location purposes.
There are plenty of Local Authorities who currently use Google Map to display a variety of data as a cheap option to a full web map service, however, Bristol City Council have been advised directly by OS that to do so would be an infringement of the terms and conditions of use and we will not be using Google in this way.
If anyone has found a way round this legal issue I'd be interested to hear, but if you haven't you may be liable for some hefty OS fines. Interestingly negotiations between OS and Microsoft Virtual Earth resulted in Microsoft changing their terms of use while Google refused to alter their position.
We have the full FAQ from OS explaining the issues if anyone wants a copy, but I'm sure the document is available on their website.
Pete
There has been a long debate between Google and the OS about terms of use because at present if you display your data on Google Map you are giving Google the rights to the data. This is an infringement of the OS licence as all HER data (to my knowledge) is derived from OS data in that it uses the Projected National Grid for location purposes.
There are plenty of Local Authorities who currently use Google Map to display a variety of data as a cheap option to a full web map service, however, Bristol City Council have been advised directly by OS that to do so would be an infringement of the terms and conditions of use and we will not be using Google in this way.
If anyone has found a way round this legal issue I'd be interested to hear, but if you haven't you may be liable for some hefty OS fines. Interestingly negotiations between OS and Microsoft Virtual Earth resulted in Microsoft changing their terms of use while Google refused to alter their position.
We have the full FAQ from OS explaining the issues if anyone wants a copy, but I'm sure the document is available on their website.
Pete