China Cracks Down on Mapping and Surveying
mapmaking March 16th, 2009In a Draconian measure today, that flies in the face of Web 2.0 thinking, China plans on cracking down on all surveying and mapping not done by the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. This agency is the only entity in China sanctioned to create maps and surveys, and they say they’ve uncovered more than 791 cases of illegal surveying and mapping in 2008 alone. Included in the agency’s plans is a strengthening of laws and regulations, and a crackdown on foreign organizations and individuals who enter China to undertake surveying and mapping.
Read more here.
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March 16th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Matt
I don’t see how this is much different than surveying practised in North America or Europe. The survey organisations ensure similar authority.
Maybe the bigger question is whether or not professional bodies take open software and close it’s use?
March 16th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
The way that I read it, and the way that previous actions have been taken, the issue is mapping rather than simply surveying. China’s maps are not open and mashable, foregoing all the benefits from maps as collaborative tools for citizens.