The implications of Spatial Law on South African Geo-informatics Practitioners

Session

Professional Organisation/Standards

Full Paper Review

No

Authors

Adrian Roos, Intergraph, South Africa, adrian.roos@intergraph.co.za

Abstract

A majority of geo-informatics practitioners in South Africa don’t give much thought to the legal implications on their use of geospatial technology and the products they produce.

Internationally there is a growing interest in geospatial law as it relates to privacy, intellectual property and liability. This interest is largely generated where practitioners begin to be held legally liable for their actions. It is important for geo-informatics practitioners to be aware of these potential implications in order to protect themselves and the organisations for which they work.This paper looks at current spatial and general legislation relevant to geo-informatics practitioners in South Africa.

The potential implications as well as the opportunities presented by this legislation for practitioners. Consideration is given to comparitive international case law and case studies. This paper does not seek to influence or critique spatial-related legal frameworks currently in place in South Africa, but provide practical guidelines that should be considered by geo-informatics practitioners.

No full paper was submitted