The Copyright Law of Spatial Data

Book excerpt: This book provides a thorough comparative analysis of copyright protection of spatial data across Australia, the United States of America (USA), and the European Union. With the emergence of terrestrial scanners, drones, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI), the acquisition of data has recently reshaped the landscape of the survey industry, highlighting the importance of protecting the intellectual rights of surveyors. This book investigates the distinct approaches taken by each jurisdiction in protecting copyrights in spatial data and explores commonalities and disparities between these jurisdictions, highlighting best practices. The book also explores the alternative means of protecting spatial data and provides final recommendations aimed at policymakers, with the overarching objective of nurturing a balanced copyright system. This book will be of interest to students and scholars in the field of copyright law and spatial data.