----------------------------Original message----------------------------
From: "Sean  D. Smith" <[log in to unmask]>
To: g gartner <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: vector maps over Internet
 
Dear Mr. Gartner:
        I am a cartographer with Canadian Cartographics in Vancouver BC, and your
query is an interesting one...it seems we are all interested in maps for study,
use or simply collecting, and of course the best maps are free ones. However I
think any holders of original vector data will be loathe to send out their maps
because they are essentially giving up their copyright to a valuable product.
Someone, or many someones, worked hard and long to create, edit and clean a
vector map database, which will ultimately be used in GIS uses, or output to
produce hard copy paper maps for retail sale. Those people have to make a living
and they are going to want money for their work. Now copyright laws in Canada
are somewhat vague on maps and electronic media, but one standard seems to be
true: if you do enough editing or design work of your own, so that the new
product is substantially different from the old one, you now have copyright over
this product. Considering how easy it is to take a set of vectors and push a few
around, assign new colours and lineweights, add some new type and marginalia,
this "new product" can be arrived at quite quickly and inexpensively. And
meanwhile, those people who went to considerable expense collecting data,
purchasing aerial photographs, satellite images, government base maps,
statistical studies, field surveys, etc., have had their work hijacked by
someone else who just puts a different face on it. I think the true legal nature
of this is yet to be resolved, but the danger exists...send out your map data,
and you've lost your potential market return to someone else.
        This is also why some of the currently available maps (Magellan maps on
Compuserve, or Digital Chart of the World) tend to be simple, relatively small
scale maps that are already quite well diffused throughout society in paper
form. It also explains why government sources, when they are offering to sell
digital maps, charge steep fees for them.
        Hope this puts some perspective into your query!
 
                                Yours,
 
                                        Sean D. Smith, Cartographer
 
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