Sources question

[Eric R]

Hello,

Is it ever permissible to link to or use outside mapping sources in any way in either a) the wiki or b) within map maker edits?

The terms of service (http://www.google.com/mapmaker/mapfiles/s/terms_mapmaker.html) seem to say certainly not.

However, many sources of government data provide a very liberal usage licence, for example:

http://www.geogratis.gc.ca/geogratis/en/licence.jsp

For instance, someone might want to correct a spelling issue on a map feature using government data.

Just curious.

Thanks.

[Wthrwyz]

If the data is public record or the site states you can freely use the information, then yes, you can make a change based on that source. Keep in mind that facts cannot be copyrighted, just their presentation. Using government data to correct spelling mistakes wouldn't be a problem because as soon as you read that data you have personal knowledge about that feature.

Just don't link to any document, map, or image directly. You could say something in the edit comments such as "verified correct spelling using local government public records." If any reviewer wants more information than that, tell them where they can verify the information by mentioning the site name in such a way they can Google for it.