Has Marine Computing gone Pop?
- Thread starter iangrant
- Start date
Oldhand
New member
According to the response to a previous post asking the same question the answer is YES.
jimboaw
New member
I suppose you mean "gone broke"? The writing is on the wall for anybody to see that charting products, software or charts/tide/currents will be available F.O.C from the US government under the freedom of information act . What this is says is that information gained at the public expense is the property of the public and is available to all at no charge. If you happen to have a stake in any company that would try to sell you info that you can download for free I would suggest you bail out.!
BrendanS
Well-known member
You are US based tho
We have a new freedom of information act in the UK, much newer than the US one, only a few months old. Not sure that anyone has challenged this information recently, but I might give it a try, but UK authorities have challenged and closed down every site that gave away UK charts or tidal information.
We have a new freedom of information act in the UK, much newer than the US one, only a few months old. Not sure that anyone has challenged this information recently, but I might give it a try, but UK authorities have challenged and closed down every site that gave away UK charts or tidal information.
jimboaw
New member
Would just love to see UK Gov try to block US Gov web sites! In 10 minutes it will be my 35th wedding anniversary. SWMBO is on nights and I got no chance in the morning.!
StugeronSteve
New member
Congratulations jimboaw, and Mrs jimboaw, of course!
BrendanS
Well-known member
It's nothing to do with blocking US gov websites..UKHO own copyright on the data, and they will charge for the information they provide, and challenge websites that provide that information without paying the relevant fees. See http://www.ukho.gov.uk/foi.html and the bit about "Any hydrographic related query may fall under the UKHO’s business-as-usual activities."
tome
New member
UKHO may own the copyright, but guess who paid for the surveys? I've just surrendered my licence to put up a chartlet on my web site as they insisted on reducing the resolution beyond the point where it was useful.
I remember a survey we did offshore Abu Dhabi in the early 90's. The UKHO data for the area was way out of date and we donated our bathymetric data for an update. Strikes me that this should all be in the public domain as it's us who paid for it. Interesting the difference in attitude in New Zealand where you can download and use any chart.
I remember a survey we did offshore Abu Dhabi in the early 90's. The UKHO data for the area was way out of date and we donated our bathymetric data for an update. Strikes me that this should all be in the public domain as it's us who paid for it. Interesting the difference in attitude in New Zealand where you can download and use any chart.
Rowana
Two steps lower than the ships' cat
As long as Gordon and his cronies have a hold on the purse strings you can bet we'll have to pay for it one way or another.
TheBoatman
New member
What would happen if the UK charts found themselves on to a US site with a free download?
Just a thought, maybe someone will enlighten me!
Just a thought, maybe someone will enlighten me!
aitchw
New member
The UKHO would use existing copyright law and international agreements to stop them as they do here but a bit more long winded. They would be able to sue for damges for the breach.
peterb
New member
[ QUOTE ]
I remember a survey we did offshore Abu Dhabi in the early 90's. The UKHO data for the area was way out of date and we donated our bathymetric data for an update.
[/ QUOTE ]
When you donated the data did you also donate the copyright? Or did you just give HO a free licence to use the data? I just wonder whether HO will accept data without also getting the copyright.
Incidentally, this is posted from the Bibliotek in Henan, Sweden. Here to pick up a new Najad 380! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I remember a survey we did offshore Abu Dhabi in the early 90's. The UKHO data for the area was way out of date and we donated our bathymetric data for an update.
[/ QUOTE ]
When you donated the data did you also donate the copyright? Or did you just give HO a free licence to use the data? I just wonder whether HO will accept data without also getting the copyright.
Incidentally, this is posted from the Bibliotek in Henan, Sweden. Here to pick up a new Najad 380! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
BrendanS
Well-known member
I agree, it should be public domain, though they will undoubtably claim that the revenues help provide the surveys and administration. I'm mighty tempted to try claiming access under freedom of information to see what response I get.
Rowana
Two steps lower than the ships' cat
[ QUOTE ]
Incidentally, this is posted from the Bibliotek in Henan, Sweden. Here to pick up a new Najad 380! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Lucky Ba$tard ! !
Where are you takeing her ??
Picked up a 511 there last year for the Southampton boat show. Make sure you close the drain cocks under the sinks. We had a wee bit of water come up at fairly small angles of heel.
If I ever win the lottery, I would have a 380 or perhaps a 460 myself !
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Incidentally, this is posted from the Bibliotek in Henan, Sweden. Here to pick up a new Najad 380! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Lucky Ba$tard ! !
Where are you takeing her ??
Picked up a 511 there last year for the Southampton boat show. Make sure you close the drain cocks under the sinks. We had a wee bit of water come up at fairly small angles of heel.
If I ever win the lottery, I would have a 380 or perhaps a 460 myself !
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Oldhand
New member
The following received from Marine Computing International today (20 April):
Hello,
I regret to say that Marine Computing International will shortly be closing.
Many thanks for your support over the last 12 years (am I the only one who remembers people running DOS on their PCs?).
I will be starting a new business, SmartCom software. This will be concentrating on developing and distributing a range of software products for the marine and mobile communications markets, as well as providing my services in areas where I have specific skills, namely:
-integration of on board computer systems, including specification and commissioning
-mobile phone and satellite communications
-navigation and PC based chart plotters
-racing sailboat navigation and performance software
-weather information systems
I will also continue with the Tide Wizard, PC Sat C, SmartCom, PC Navtex and the MIDAS project, and continue to support existing MCI customers who have these products or who have a support contract. For support on other products, please go to the manufacturer.
You can see the new web site at www.smartcomsoftware.com, and I look forward to hearing from you in the new venture.
Hello,
I regret to say that Marine Computing International will shortly be closing.
Many thanks for your support over the last 12 years (am I the only one who remembers people running DOS on their PCs?).
I will be starting a new business, SmartCom software. This will be concentrating on developing and distributing a range of software products for the marine and mobile communications markets, as well as providing my services in areas where I have specific skills, namely:
-integration of on board computer systems, including specification and commissioning
-mobile phone and satellite communications
-navigation and PC based chart plotters
-racing sailboat navigation and performance software
-weather information systems
I will also continue with the Tide Wizard, PC Sat C, SmartCom, PC Navtex and the MIDAS project, and continue to support existing MCI customers who have these products or who have a support contract. For support on other products, please go to the manufacturer.
You can see the new web site at www.smartcomsoftware.com, and I look forward to hearing from you in the new venture.