SRTM - what about copyright?

[Sasa 0]

Hello,I was just wondering that the guys from "FSfreeware" have published some comercial mesh-sceneries based on SRTM data.Is it possible that they have an agreement with NASA or is it the case that the guys of NASA have no problem about that other people are earning money with their data?And what about required licenses for freeware mesh sceneries?Best regardsSasa

[Guest PAtom]

reading the documents, provided in the srtm folder on their server, i am sure that the released raw srtm data can be used at least for freeware mesh projects without limitations (QUOTE:....released for public use...). i cannot talk about payware or shareware releases since i am not a lawyer but freeware seems to be ok. tom(2gb srtm downloads done, 10 still to go)

[Holger 0]

Howdy:Good question but the SRTM data are indeed released as public domain:"Terrain height data greater than or equal to three seconds of arc latitude and longitude (ie. Level-1 data sets) generated from the SRTM will be released and distributed without restrictions."http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/srtm/mou.htmlPayware mesh developers (FS Traveller, FS Genesis, FSFreeware, etc.) add value to the freely available data by processing them into a FS-usable format. That takes time and money (if you use commercial GIS software for better dealing with void areas etc.). Also, they offer support for and updates of their files and have to maintain websites (bandwidth costs). Therefore, I'd say they are fully entitled charging for their products.On the other hand, anyone can download and process the SRTM (and other elevation data) and distribute them for free; it's up to the developer.Cheers, Holger