Kansai Intl. Airport (RJBB)

[legoboyvdlp]

I see that image is very recent, as you can see the new jetways in effect from gate 6. I must remove the old jetways from the terminal model...

[legoboyvdlp]

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[IAHM-COL]

yup. Google has lots of restrictions. you are right. I may have deluded myself in thinking I was getting data from the USGS, but I see your point.
Still. Step #1 is procure a good overlay image, somehow... somewhere.

[legoboyvdlp]

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[IAHM-COL]

Maybe.
What hurts is that the USGS associates with those greedy ##@$@Q

[legoboyvdlp]

Greedy?
They get imagery from third party sources. They can't just make it public domain. Or they can? It would be nice, but how are those sattelites going to pay for themselves?

The USGS has public domain imagery for the 48 at least.

[legoboyvdlp]

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[IAHM-COL]

I think that you are over-interpreting the law of fair use...
even google is telling you that if you want to go to that path, you want to first consider talking to a lawyer :S

(don't get me wrong... I also wish we could/we can)

[legoboyvdlp]

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[elgaton]

This topic was already discussed a bit on Curtis' forum as well as on the wiki - Google Maps/Earth is not compatible for a variety of reasons.

Their terms of use are unclear with regard to creation of "derived/derivative works" (works based on their data - in this case, the WED layout based on Google Maps imagery). The relevant article is:

2. Prohibited Conduct. When using Google Maps/Google Earth, you may not (or allow those acting on your behalf to):

1. redistribute or sell any part of Google Maps/Google Earth or create a new product or service based on Google Maps/Google Earth (unless you use the Google Maps/Google Earth APIs in accordance with their terms of service);
2. copy the Content (unless you are otherwise permitted to do so by the Using Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View permissions page or applicable intellectual property law, including "fair use");
3. mass download or create bulk feeds of the Content (or let anyone else do so);
4. use Google Maps/Google Earth to create or augment any other mapping-related dataset (including a mapping or navigation dataset, business listings database, mailing list, or telemarketing list) for use in a service that is a substitute for, or a substantially similar service to, Google Maps/Google Earth;
5. use any part of Google Maps/Google Earth with other people's products or services for or in connection with real-time navigation or autonomous vehicle control, except through a specific Google-provided feature such as Android Auto or Send to Car;
6. reverse engineer or attempt to extract the source code from Google Maps/Google Earth or any related software, except to the extent that this restriction is expressly prohibited by applicable law;
7. remove, obscure, or alter any Google terms of service or any links to or notices of those terms, or any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary rights notices; or
8. do anything inappropriate, illegal, or in violation of others' rights (including their privacy, publicity, and intellectual property rights).
   

Now:

• The license does not explicitly allow people to create derivate works.
• Their permissions page states that commercial use of their data is prohibited:
  

  These guidelines are for non-commercial use except for the limited use cases described below; if you want to use Google Maps, Google Earth, or Street View for other commercial purposes, please contact the Google Maps for Work sales team. “Commercial purposes” means “use for sale or revenue-generating purposes”.
  

  
  Since GPL does not forbid commercial use (in fact, X-Plane does sell GPL-licensed airports from the Gateway as part of its package, and even the core FlightGear project sells program DVDs/USB keys for those who want to support the project/do not have a fast internet connection and want to get the simulator), this clause makes Google Maps data GPL-incompatible.
• Moreover, using Google Maps data requires attribution to be shown at all times (that would mean displaying appropriate notices in the main FlightGear window, which is currently not implemented):
  

  All uses of the Content must provide attribution to both Google and our data providers. We require clear, visible attribution when the Content is shown. You may not move the attribution to the end credits or fade it out after a few seconds.
  [...]
  If you are unwilling to meet our attribution requirements, contact our data provider(s) directly to inquire about purchasing the rights to use the Content directly. You’ll find provider contact information listed on their websites.
  

As for fair use, such a copyright exception does not exist in all countries (e.g. Italy), so that content copied under that clause might be illegal there. Moreover, this Wikipedia page states four criteria to determine whether using a portion of a copyrighted work constitutes fair use or not: given that

1. the GPL does not forbid commercial use;
2. tracing a WED layout using Google Maps would be a "substantial copy" (as a sizeable portion of the layout would be based on the imagery);
3. "fair use" exceptions, in practice, are granted mainly for scholarly/citation/criticism/reporting purposes;

I don't think this exception can be applied in this case.

Have you considered checking the OpenStreetMap wiki for free mapping resources? Since OSM is a substantially bigger project, some governments have made special exceptions for mappers to use their resources (as is the case for Italy); failing that, Bing and Mapquest have given permission for OSM mappers to trace their imagery. In both cases, you can contribute to OSM to add any missing elements, then export the OSM map and use it in WED. (OSM does not keep all airport elements - such as signs - into account, but it includes many of them, so it's an excellent starting point).