Copyright and Intellectual Property

Copyright for images can be complex. Consider the following:

• If someone else created the image
  ➤ You need permission from the photographer or rights holder.

• If you created the image
  ➤ You own the copyright—unless you photographed something that’s copyrighted (e.g. a painting in a gallery).

• Photographs of people
  ➤ You need formal permission, unless people are incidental (e.g. passers-by in a street scene).
  ➤ Use caution with images of minors or sensitive subjects—ethical approval may be needed.

• Images of other artworks (e.g. museum portraits)
  ➤ Even if you took the photo, you may need permission from the gallery or artist.

• Images from sites like Flickr or blogs
  ➤ Check the licence (e.g. Creative Commons).
  ➤ If no licence is stated, assume permission is required.

⚠️ Be cautious: some users upload images they don’t own. Reusing these—even with permission—is risky.

• From Ordnance Survey or Digimap?
  Check the licence terms—these services often have specific conditions for reuse.

• From a book or publication?
  Look for copyright information near the map or in the book’s front/back matter.

• Older maps (e.g. Ordnance Survey maps over 50 years old)?
  These may be out of copyright, but never assume—always verify and cite the source.

📝 If the rights holder can’t be traced, you may treat the map as an orphan work, but document your efforts to seek permission.

• Used for decoration only?
  You’ll need express permission from the rights holder.

• Used to support your argument or illustrate a point?
  This may fall under a fair dealing exception, especially if it’s a single image or figure.

• Using multiple figures from the same source?
  This is unlikely to be fair dealing—you should seek permission.

✅ When in doubt, always check the licence or ask the rights holder.