A document being publicly displayed doesn't void copyright. Unless you can confirm it's been released under an acceptable license or permission is given (nothing specified means it's copyrighted by default), then it wouldn't be usable in OSM.

---
Thanks,
Andrew Welch
[email protected]

On 02/10/2025 2:31 pm, Bob Cameron wrote:

I think the main point is being missed.

Pretty well all my sources are me, mostly imagery. (ground level and sky)

My question is specifically about using a press release as a source and NOT checking in person or by imagery. The example quoted does not have updated imagery and I am not likely to drive out there again.

The question about the source is if using a public press release is okay, then what do I use? It will probably be displayed in multiple locations, possibly including the public noticeboard at Wanaaring Store. The actual press release has no copy-write notice on it https://bourke.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/mr250806.pdf If this was pasted on a noticeboard is it copy-write? If so has it been illegally posted by others?

Cheers Bob

On 2/10/25 14:33, Andrew Welch via Talk-au wrote:

(writing in a personal capacity, not as a DWG member)

I've seen this topic come up a few times.

The consensus from that (at least from my understanding of the conversations) is that as long as the changes are backed by a usable source, which includes a survey or allowed aerial imagery, then it's fine to put into OSM referencing that source." If you're going to mention a copyrighted source as what led you to go out and check, I would provide that context.

Using your example and assuming you then went out to check in person, have source=survey as one of your changeset tags, and if you want to, either in the changeset comment or in the changeset discussion mention that the press release led you out there. The main concern for OSM/ODbL compatibility is which source you used to enter into OSM. If you've confirmed in person, you're the source. This is what I base any DWG related decisions on personally.

The press release alone wouldn't be okay unless it's provided under an appropriate license, they're still covered by copyright by default. Using it as inspiration to go out and survey or to check an allowed source, you're all good there.

---
Thanks,
Andrew Welch
[email protected]

On 02/10/2025 1:43 pm, Ben Ritter wrote:

When you are manually making individual changes, and cross referencing different sources like you are describing, I don't think the elements need a source tag. The ideal source for information in OSM is the contributors themselves, so the best outcome is that you are the source of the info in the tags, based on your observations of the world (which includes the satellite, local reporting, and on-the-ground surveys).

A source tag on a feature indicates that the person submitting the changes hasn't had any input on the information, it is directly from the source.

Instead, I would include the sources in the changeset comment or changeset tags. That leaves a paper-trail for other mappers to discover if needed without adding source tags to the map data that would require maintenance.

I hope that reasoning makes sense, and that others here agree!

Cheers,
Ben

On Thu, 2 Oct 2025 at 11:57, Bob Cameron <[email protected]> wrote:

I have often used local/state/federal govt road reports and press releases on road surfacing to use as a source for then checking against the available overhead imagery or using as an excuse to go for a drive!

I wonder though does a press release actually make it public domain information that can be used directly? I note for example that Bourke Shire Council released one (actually copy-write on their website) that says all of the Bourke-Wanaaring Road is sealed except for the last 9.4km. (The press release was actually about that it would be 100% sealed later this year)

If that case were okay does the information source URL (as a tag) pointing to a normally copy-write page get used?

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