Updates to Downloads & Terms of Use

I will probably use this thread to post updates that have been done on existing downloads, since these updates can otherwise slip by unnoticed.

I did want to start off with a reminder about the Terms of Use of the downloads. When you download a file that is from me (or VE), the site requires you to agree to these terms before you can download it. On the confirmation screen it says:

Permission to use this file and its data is only granted for personal use.
You do NOT have permission to forward it to others, publish it on other websites, books, documents, or any sort of software, nor may be it be used in any sort of project or product. Permission must be sought first.

* This information is for private and may not be used for financial gain or recognition.

* Vertical Endeavour can in no way be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies that this information may contain.

* Vertical Endeavour is not liable for the way in which this information may be used, or for any injury, accident or loss that may be a direct or indirect result of using this information.

By downloading this file you agree and adhere to all conditions listed above and in the general terms of use for this site.

More details are found on this page (the link is on that confirmation page):
www.vertical-endeavour.com/about-us/23-info/41-terms-and-conditions-of-use.html

The Terms of Use indicate that the downloads are only for personal use, unless permission is sought and granted. This is particularly relevant for the GPS data downloads. In the case of GPS data it means that you can put it on your GPS, or load it into your own, personal mapping software on your computer (from where it can be studied, compared, and loaded onto a GPS for example). You may also share this with a hiking buddy.

It is a problem in cases like:
- sending the data around on email lists
- publishing the data in any format on another website
- uploading the data into mapping projects which are then distributed via mailing lists, CDs, or published on the web
(not an exhaustive list of scenarios)

I have seen instances like this around, where it was quite clearly my own data from this site, which had been republished and reproduced without my consent and without any credit given. I have to say I am very disappointed when I see this, and I find it very cheeky to pretend that the data is your own and that you get all the credit for it. I have only ever submitted some of my data to berg.co.za, that is the only other site/entity that I recall giving permission to.

In the case of Google Earth/Maps, I don't have an issue if small amounts of data are uploaded for the purposes of study. I do have an issue with the mass upload of most, or all of my data however. These kinds of uploads tend to get distributed, and Google can then also decide what they may want extract from that data for their own uses, which I do not necessarily give consent to.

As far as data from other user is concerned, it is important to get their permission to use it elsewhere.

I have never charged anyone any money for these downloads so far, nor is it about my ego needing to be tickled by the recognition. I make this data available in order to promote a passion and interest for the Drakensberg, along with a healthy and environmentally friendly ethic in what we do in the Berg, as well as a proactive awareness and concern for the issues and challenges it faces.

Sadly I needed to write a reminder such as this one, and for some time I have been reluctant to publish more data on the site, and to maintain the existing data. I put a lot of effort into obtaining the data first hand, and ensuring that it is clean and reliable. I even add improvements to existing data since I re-capture areas/routes that I have done before and sometimes obtain data that is of a better quality.

With everyone's co-operation and respect of the terms of use, this can continue.