[OSGeo-Discuss] distributing "read-only" vector files?

[Rafal Wawer]

Hi Maning,
Normally many of those problem are solved by issuing metadata along with datasets. You can state there clearly who the provider and distributor is and what limitations of the use and distribution have, also the version, last update, quality etc. This much more organizational solution, where I think you could be safe from any blames - after all, people are free to contact the provider or distributor mentioned in the metadata. 
You can also put a license of this data, stating the range of use and obligating any changes or updates to be reported to your institution. 

Best regards:
Raf

Dr. Rafal Wawer
K.U.Leuven
R&D Division SADL (Spatial Application Division)
Celestijnenlaan 200e bus 2224
BE-3001 Leuven-Heverlee
Belgium
tel. 0032 16 329731





-----Original Message-----
From: discuss-bounces at lists.osgeo.org [mailto:discuss-bounces at lists.osgeo.org] On Behalf Of maning sambale
Sent: 03 November 2009 13:59
To: OSGeo Discussions
Subject: [OSGeo-Discuss] distributing "read-only" vector files?

Before anything else, let me introduce our dilemma.  We are a non-profit geo-research institution.  In many cases we produce geospatial datasets no other local institution can create in my country at the moment.  What we create are sometimes benchmark info useful to various research and policy initiatives.  At the moment we have two broad users the public (we provide free download of pdf maps) and special interest group (requesting for GIS data).  We always want our datasets to be used by other geoshop.

However, we have several concerns regarding the release of GIS data:
1.  Securing "data integrity" - once released we cannot guarantee that the data will be distributed from other sources with alterations/changes.  Some of this data may contain critical info that if used (coming from altered data), our institution "might" be blamed.
2.  Ensuring corrections will be reported back to us for data enhancement.
3. Ensuring non-commercial use of the data

I'm sure these concerns are not unique to us but also common to other institutions.  I am hoping we can discuss options on how we can resolve the above concerns in areas both technical and institutional policy.

Any ideas?

--
cheers,
maning
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"Freedom is still the most radical idea of all" -N.Branden
wiki: http://esambale.wikispaces.com/
blog: http://epsg4253.wordpress.com/
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