Licencing an O map to a 3rd party

[Paul Frost]

Graeme
I'm not paranoid about the unlicensed use of O maps, I was just pointing out that some people don't see copyright in such a clear cut way.

I accept that there are not adverts on the maps using the API but it doesn't change the fact that Google makes money from the promotion of its mapping services.

I also accept that most people do not want an Ocad file, but the instances I started this thread with was where we have been asked to provide it. They also accept that they should pay for the privilege, the question I asked was for examples of charges and procedures.

We both share the view that the best quality of map should be available to ensure peoples first experience is a good one. The question is how to make sure that this happens and ensuring that clubs can afford to continue providing them.

Clive
EckO maps are not normally based on OS data, but PG plots done by Stirling Surveys, so we don't have your problem.
With regard showing them on websites, the OS offer a "Paper Map Copying Licence" that allows you to show maps on the web. The renewal for the one I have for RouteGadget UK has just dropped through the letterbox and the cost for next year is £62.96.
I think the whole issue of OS copyright and orienteering maps is in limbo. I don't think anyone wants to ask detailed questions in case they don't like the answers.

Final position
EckO will probably be giving away permanent course maps via the website as a downloadable PDF. We may also sell copies printed on waterproof paper in some locations.
We will negotiate commercial use of the maps (and provide Ocad versions if that is what is requested), the fees for which will be mutually agreeable to both parties.

As probably the first club in Scotland to provide pre-marked maps and SI punching at ALL events, we have always tried to make peoples first experience a good one. Virtually all our maps have been professionally produced by Stirling Surveys and we just want to make sure we can afford to maintain the high standards we have set ourselves.

[Big Jon]

Maroc has for the past few years sold permanent course maps through local retailers. One went bust= money lost! Another, if approached may have a few quid for the club, a third gives any money to a local charity. Conclusion - its not worth it. we are moving to having our permanent courses available as a free download on our website, and if a local tourist office, camp site etc wants to print off copies and give them away or sell them its up to them. Our aim is to try to encourage newcomers to the sport - and to get them along to our club events where we can get our claws into them (and then they're doomed ). Any financial return is likely to be so limited as to be not worth the time and effort of setting up a system and collecting money at the end of the year.
Regarding funding of these permanent courses - we hope to get partners to pay for posts, revising maps etc - we provide the expertise in terms of a mapper, course planner and a regular check to ensure posts remain, map is still usable etc. We are being fairly successful with regard to this as local councils, schools and FC are all keen to increase activity and use of woodlands.

[redkite]

SWOC did for a short period of time have their permanent courses available on the website as a pdf file. We then took them off the website and replaced with an email link where you could request a pdf file.

Two reasons for this

Firstly, we wanted the email addresses of anyone wanting a permanent course map.

Secondly, had some concerns re OS issue.

[Paul Frost]

...we wanted the email addresses of anyone wanting a permanent course map. Secondly, had some concerns re OS issue.

You were right about the OS issue if your maps are based on OS data.

Out of interest, what do you do with the email addresses you collect?

I take it that your email link was to an autoresponder address rather than someone having to reply to the email?

[roadrunner]

I seem to recall that a concern my club had about giving away OCAD files (or any other electronic version) was that it might enable someone to organise an event without getting permission. Of course, this isn't so much of an issue if it's the landowners that want the map.