BAPC Provides Clear Direction On Maps

Now there is a simple way of gaining accurate, editable and legal maps for reproduction via The British Association for Print and Communication (BAPC). Reproducing maps within printed materials has long been a tricky issue. For the most part the legalities have been widely misunderstood, with print and design companies taking images from the internet or existing maps and then either copying the map or using the originals as template for tracing. The problem is that both these methods are illegal and infringe on copyright. The situation has not been about deliberate dishonesty, but about an information gap when it comes to knowing how to source legally licensed maps. In the past, acquiring an official licence has been expensive, time consuming, and complicated. These problems are no more. The BAPC, on behalf of the entire industry, has taken action to address this issue. The Association became aware of the seriousness of the problem through recent high profile court cases where companies have been fined considerable sums after being found guilty of infringing copyright. Following a year of negotiations with Ordnance Survey, and in partnership with the mapping experts at Location Maps, the BAPC has arrived at a solution that is both easy to use and realistic in price. The 'Online Map' purchasing system is extremely straightforward to use. Simply input the postcode of the location you require, then choose the scale and size, and finally the resolution (depending upon whether the map will be used for digital, lithographic or online reproduction). Immediately the user sees a proof, allowing them to edit and refine the map parameters. As soon as online payment is confirmed, a digital map file is sent automatically to the purchasers' email address, together with an invoice and certificate of royalty payment. Sidney Bobb, BAPC Chairman, stated: 'It is of vital importance that we as an Association address issues that protect our members, especially when you consider that the use of maps is so common. What's more, our members have tested this system and they tell us that the cost of downloading a legal, editable map is a fraction of that cost of creating one from scratch.' The 'Online Map' service is now live, and is accessible through the BAPC website at www.bapc.co.uk. Frequently asked questions Why is the BAPC involved in this new mapping service? The BAPC has recognised for a long time that maps are used extensively in all forms of design, for print and websites and when it comes to creating maps for customers, designers and printers face a variety of challenges. It is expensive, time consuming, often inaccurate and almost impossible to start from scratch. The solution seems obvious - to obtain an existing map, make the necessary amendments and add the personal information as required by the customer. But even this means that the designer has to gain permission from the map originators because of the obvious copyright conditions. Up until now obtaining such permission has not been easy. It's been expensive and complicated resulting in many printers and designers ignoring their responsibility and trying to 'get away with copying or tracing existing maps' and ignoring their legal responsibilities. This situation has become even more significant as copyright issues have been brought more to the forefront. Indeed those who hold the rights of maps are becoming ever more vigilant as the dramatic increase in legal proceedings clearly indicates. It is the BAPC's wish to help alleviate the burden and so this new service will help designers and printers achieve the following:- ¢ Save considerable costs and time in the creation of maps and so increase profitability. ¢ Ensure accurate mapping in a matter of a few short minutes ¢ Widen the services printers can offer their customers ¢ Adopt a cost effective facility ¢ Avoid the risk of legal action with the resulting payment of costs, fines and penalties Such is the importance of this new service that it is open to all within the industry whether they belong to the BAPC or not. All a printer has to do is visit the BAPC web site at www.bapc.co.uk, go to the mapping section and follow a few simple instructions. The BAPC mapping service is licensed by Ordnance Survey through Location Maps (www.locationmaps.com), a major player in the design and supply of printed mapping to an extensive and prestigious client list. ¢ What is the Ordnance Survey connection? Ordnance Survey's reputation needs little embellishment. Any use of the OS base data in any publishing situation needs licensing from OS. Location Maps have been privileged to be a Licensed Partner of OS for several years and can ensure that all maps purchased from this system will be bought will the relevant OS licence fees and royalties already paid. ¢ What scale maps are available? There are five scales: 1: 10,000 (street level) 1: 50,000 1:100,000 1:500,000 1:750,000 ¢ How do I get the map I want? You simply go to www.bapc.co.uk and click on the OS Mapping service button. Enter the post code or town name and the area map will appear immediately. Choose the scale you require, centre the map for the area you require, confirm the resolution and enter. Once you pay, your map will be sent to you as an email, ready to use in seconds. ¢ How do I re-centre the map on a different point? If you need to move the point on which the map is centred just click on any point on the map and the map will automatically re-centre upon that point. ¢ Is the map I see on the screen the same as the map that will be sent to me? The map you see on your screen covers the same ground area as the 10cm by 10cm map file we will send to you. Obviously if you choose the 15cm by 15cm size then the actual ground area will be proportionately larger. The size of the map display on your screen will of course vary according to the size of your browser window. ¢ Why are there different file types available? If you are to use the map for web site display only then one only needs a low resolution 150dpi file. This is more than suitable and very cost effective. If you're going to use the maps for digital printing then a 600dpi file will give you a resolution suitable for this process. If your end need is lithographic printing then the 1200dpi option will provide you with the high resolution you need. ¢ How can I modify/change the map files EPS files are supplied with all resolutions and these can be edited using Illustrator or Freehand. The files are layered to allow easy selection of roads or background for re-colouring or even to adjust line thickness. To ensure scalability and accuracy, the text within the files is outlined. This means that one cannot accidentally alter or change the mapping text whilst still allowing for the flexibility of being able to add new text to the map. For designers or printers needing to edit or change the fonts or text of the mapping a completely text editable version can be obtained by contacting info@locationmaps.com. ¢ Why does the resolution and proposed usage of the map change the price? All maps published using Ordnance Survey data in the UK are subject to OS royalties. This fee is determined by use and resolution. In fact, up until the BAPC service, this has been a very complicated procedure with hundreds of combinations. Through extensive negotiations over the past year, the BAPC has negotiated a much simpler agreement that reduces the options to a straightforward selection. The ordering site confirms the details of the end use, so that the royalties and licence can all be included in a total sale price which is much lower than the previous method. ¢ If I buy a map file and do not like it what do I have to do to get my money back? The BAPC Mapping Service is fully GUARANTEED and operates a full refund policy. If for what ever reason, the maps supplied are unsuitable for the purposes for which they were supplied and have not been used, then simply contact refunds@locationmaps.com, returning the files and giving full details. ¢ How much are the licence and royalties fees for the maps? ? Online/website use only (150 dpi) non-modifiable file £50 ? Online/website use only (150dpi + EPS modifiable file ) £65 ? Digital print (600 dpi + EPS) up to 1000 copies £75 ? Litho print (1200dpi + EPS) up to 2500 copies Multi media use £125 ? Litho print (1200dpi + EPS) up to 5000 copies Multi media use £175 ? Litho print (1200dpi + EPS) up to 10,000 copies Multi media use £250 All prices shown are exclusive of VAT.