Re: geotrans license: asking for advice
Hi all...
I send attached the "copyright" file of the package "GEOTRANS" I asked
for advice here some days
ago.
I've renamed the package to "GEOTRANZ", to fulfill the "terms of use"
(do not use the original name
in derived works) and I understand that we have permission to
distribute derived works of geotrans
because the authors say so in a mail sent to me (it is not clear in
the terms of use). I asked them to
rewrite the terms of use but they released a new version without doing it.
I you agree I will upload the package to main soon.
--
Regards,
Roberto Lumbreras
This package was Debianized by Roberto Lumbreras <rover@debian.org> on
Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:16:08 +0100
It was downloaded from http://earth-info.nga.mil/GandG/geotrans/
The package GEOTRANZ is derived from GEOTRANS:
"The product was developed using GEOTRANS, a product of the National
Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and U.S. Army Engineering Research and
Development Center."
"Do not use the name GEOTRANS for any derived work."
Debian modifications are the following: add makefiles to compile it with
openjdk; modify some icons so they have a transparent background; use
x-www-browser to lunch help instead of netscape; modify directory where help
files are; add missing includes in C files to fix implicit declaration
warnings.
Debian package GEOTRANZ is DFSG free because:
-Everyone is allowed to use and distribute the software (see terms of use).
-Everyone is allowed to modify the software "develop derivative works"
(see terms of use).
-Everyone is allowed to make and distribute derived works if the "GEOTRANS"
name is not used. (see terms of use and clarification mail from authors).
-The package is compiled with and depends on free packages only (thanks to
openjdk).
GEOTRANS upstream author:
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA)
Department of Defense
United States of America
Point of Contact: Coordinate Systems Analysis Team
phone (314) 263-4171, DSN 693-4171
coordsys@nga.mil
GEOTRANS Project Managers:
Brian Akers (St. Louis) and Dan Mullaney (Bethesda)
Please contact the JMTK Help Desk (jmtkhelp@jmtk.org, 1-888-549-JMTK) if you
have any problems, questions, or comments.
Copyright: (C) 1999-2008 National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA)
"Although NGA makes no copyright claim under Title 17 U.S.C., NGA
claims copyrights in the source code under other legal regimes."
I wrote NGA asking for permission to distribute derived works of geotrans, and
they sent me the following mail:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Mullaney, Dan F." <Daniel.F.Mullaney _at_ nga.mil>
To: <roberto.lumbreras _at_ gmail.com>
Cc: "Spaunhorst, Scott" <Scott.J.Spaunhorst _at_ nga.mil>
Subject: RE: geotrans license clarification
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 10:53:25 -0400
Sir,
Please find an updated "Terms of Use" for GEOTRANS. Our position is that
derivative works may be distributed, if they adhere to these "Terms." A
new version (GEOTRANS 2.4.2) will be made available shortly.
Thank You,
Dan Mullaney
NGA/SNAC
Coordinate System Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEOTRANS Terms of Use:
1. The GEOTRANS source code ("the software") is provided free of charge by the
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) of the United States Department
of Defense. Although NGA makes no copyright claim under Title 17 U.S.C., NGA
claims copyrights in the source code under other legal regimes. NGA hereby
grants to each user of the software a license to use and distribute the
software, and develop derivative works.
2. NGA requests that products developed using the software credit the source of
the software with the following statement, "The product was developed using
GEOTRANS, a product of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and
U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center." Do not use the name
GEOTRANS for any derived work.
3. Warranty Disclaimer: The software was developed to meet only the internal
requirements of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). The software
is provided "as is," and no warranty, express or implied, including but not
limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular
purpose or arising by statute or otherwise in law or from a course of dealing
or usage in trade, is made by NGA as to the accuracy and functioning of the
software.
4. NGA and its personnel are not required to provide technical support or
general assistance with respect to public use of the software. Government
customers may contact NGA.
5. Neither NGA nor its personnel will be liable for any claims, losses, or
damages arising from or connected with the use of the software. The user agrees
to hold harmless the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
(NGA). The user's sole and exclusive remedy is to stop using the software.
6. Please be advised that pursuant to the United States Code, 10 U.S.C. 425,
the name of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the initials "NGA",
the seal of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, or any colorable
imitation thereof shall not be used to imply approval, endorsement, or
authorization of a product without prior written permission from United States
Secretary of Defense. Do not create the impression that NGA, the Secretary of
Defense or the Director of National Intelligence has endorsed any product
derived from GEOTRANS.
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