Hi all,
Here is part of an email I sent to a few councils regarding rights of
way data (footpaths, bridleways, etc):
I have a big and fairly complicated request regarding the definitive
map. I am interested in making data more accessible to the public (as
encouraged by central government [1]). It would be great if the rights
of way data could be released without restriction, specifically the
definite map. As you probably know, the rights of way data is derived
from Ordnance Survey products which until now has prevented this data
being released without restriction because of copyright. However OS
will soon introduce the Public Sector Mapping Agreement which defines
how government bodies can use OS products [2]. This includes a new
mechanism for public bodies to request datasets that have been derived
from OS products to be release either licensed as "OS OpenData" or
"Free to Use" (section 2.5 of the license [3]).
[1] http://data.gov.uk/
[2]
http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/business/sectors/government/psma/
[3]
http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/business/sectors/government/psma/docs/psma-member-licence.pdf
Kent County Council wrote back:
Dear Mr Sheerman-Chase
Thank you for your email.
I will forward your suggestions and comments to the Head of the Service
and Definitive Map Team.
Kind regards
Countryside Access Service
Does anyone have any ideas on how to actually get the councils to apply
to OS to exempt their data and release it? Currently, I get the
impression that they don't rate data openness as a high priority - they
just nod and smile until I go away. It would be good to get this data
for quality assurance or even ... dun dun dunnnnn... importing. Could we
start a petition? Or use any contacts the community has to make this
happen? Any other data sets worth liberating?
Once we have set a precedent, it should be easier to get other councils
to comply, because of the way the OS exemption process works.
Thoughts?
Regards, TimSC
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