[mapserver-users] RE: MapServer for commercial use?

[Fawcett, David]

Mike, 
 
There are many people using MapServer for commercial projects, there are
no license restrictions on this.  
 
MapServer is just the 'engine' that produces maps, usually output as an
image file.  It doesn't come with any data.  
 
MapServer can be used to produce large images, they could then be laid
out in a document at 300dpi.  
 
David.
 
PS.  It is a little chilly this morning, but not enough snow yet...

	-----Original Message-----
	From: Mike.Edwards at ega.com [mailto:Mike.Edwards at ega.com] 
	Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 8:31 AM
	Subject: MapServer for commercial use?
	
	
	Hello.  We are a commercial printing company and have a customer
that would like us to produce dealer locator maps and print them on
postcards for a mailing to their customers.  I am looking for a
cost-effective way to do this in-house and, for philosophical reasons,
would prefer to use free/open-source software.  The MapServer project is
one such tool I am looking into, but before I get too far, I want to
make sure it meets our needs and that we could legally use it for this
purpose.  So, here are my questions:
	 
	1. Are there any restrictions on printing hard-copy maps for
commercial purposes?
	2. Is the data behind the maps up to date, or is it the older,
US Census data?
	3. Can MapServer produce at least 300dpi images suitable for
printing?
	 
	I have some limited experience with cartogrophy and GIS systems,
but I am sure there will be a learning curve to whatever tool we end up
using.  FWIW, I worked for the MN SHPO at the Historical Society back in
the early 90s mapping out the state's archaeological resources and
historic buildings, building a databse for a GIS to draw from.  Hope
you're enjoying the weather!
	 
	Thank you,
	Mike
	 
	--
	Mike Edwards
	Director of Data Services
	Edwards Graphic Arts
	2700 Bell Ave
	Des Moines, IA 50321
	515-697-6503
	 

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