Legal Issues in Czech Cartography in Relation to the International Cooperation

摘要

The aim of the activities of many professional societies and initiatives of individuals in the field of cartography and geog raphic information systems (GIS) is to clarify the issue of copyright law. There was realized a research focused on the legislative framework for the field of cartography and GIS in the Czech Republic with rega rd to the internat ional cooperation. Also there were defined non-legislative aspects dealing with legal issues such as historical or ethical issues. Copyright protection in the Czech Republic is generally on a very high le vel, but the area of cartography and geoinformatics is not sufficiently detailed and addressed in the Czech legislation. This has resulted in different interpretations of laws and worse enforcement rights of the author. Similar approaches are in the countries of the European Union and in the countries where it the Berne treaty has been ratified. In the work there are also included case studies. These cases relate to the use of cartographic products and the geographic information system in the comparison with current legislation. They are commented where there are conflicts with copyright law or where are violated only a matter of ethical-moral principles or socio-cult ural rules. Discussion suggests concrete ways to solve certain problems and can become as an inspiration for legislative adjustments to existing copyright laws. Cartography and Geoin-formatics is developing very quickly, on the basis of new needs and new knowledge as well as to the advent of new digital and information technology. To ensure the inviolable protection of copyright works in printed or digital form is basically impossible. Therefore, rather than a restriction, on the future applicability and enforcement of copyrights of geoinformatic and cartographic products should have the status and attitudes across society.