The important thing to remember about Web publishing is that access
is being made internationally, and that anyone can “borrow” an
image from a Website to use however they like. For this reason, we
need to pay special attention to preserving the rights of those who
own the images, even if they themselves don’t seem strongly concerned
at the time. It is the publisher’s responsibility to see that
copyrights are preserved.
Most data products you might use are fully approved for publication,
so only a small number of potential issues may arise. Photographs require
written permission from the source. Images and figures from journal
articles and books require additional consideration. All data, images,
and figures should include a credit to identify its source. Please
be sure to review requirements of the agencies providing the data because
some agencies (such as EUMETSAT) require specific formats for crediting
their data.
Using Data Products
For all MSC and NOAA data
products, pre-approval for publication on the MetEd Website has been
granted through blanket agreements between UCAR and those agencies.
Similar approval is granted for US Navy, and Air Force weather agency
data. For all other sources, please confirm permission for publication
on the Web.
Photographs
Photographs provided by MSC, NOAA,
and UCAR employees do not require further approval when published on
the MetEd Website, although credit must be embedded on the image. For
all other photos, written permission to publish on the Web should be
obtained. Remember that TV and newspaper sources are not public domain
and must have written approval for use. Also, verbal approval to use
a friend’s photograph is not sufficient.
COMET has standard letters that request permission to use materials
on the Web and these letters may be obtained upon request.
