December 09, 2004

Maps are latest casualty of government secrecy (PDF). For the first time since WWII, the U.S. defense mapping agency will curb public access to aeronautical maps, charts, and databases next year. Slated to become historical relics are the famous TPC charts and other worldwide chart sets, online maps and SPOT imagery, and the only source of detailed free worldwide airport data. Reasons include "avoiding competition with commercial interests", i.e. the Jeppesen monopoly and conceivably ESRI. What's left are a paltry offering of historical maps.
posted by rolypolyman 20 years ago
  • Oy.
  • This is really sad, though I do have to say this to the words "palty" and "historical" being paired: >P
  • great post, roly. great but tragic. and scary.
  • I will add that aeronautical charts produced by the FAA will still be available, but the FAA only does domestic charts. So in the interest of national security, you won't be able to get maps of Baghdad, but all the high-tension power lines and communications towers will still be on the FAA maps.
  • The last part = structures in the U.S.
  • Is this really a foregone conclusion? It looks like they're taking public comments on this proposal through next June. It sounds like some things are non-negotiable, as the copyright holders of foreign data are locking down on redistribution, but maybe we can save a few bits and pieces?
  • 'You do not need to move about. You will stay where you are, and where we know you are.'
  • For anyone interested, I started a map trading ring for these charts. If anyone wants to spread the word I'd be much obliged.