Open Database License facts for kids

The Open Database License (ODbL) is a special kind of license that helps people share information from databases. Think of it like a set of rules that lets you use, share, and even change data, as long as you also share your changes with others.

This license is "copyleft", which means it's designed to make sure that information stays free and easy for everyone to use and build upon. It's like a promise that if you use something under this license, you'll also let others use what you create from it.

The ODbL is provided by an organization called the Open Knowledge Foundation, which works to make knowledge and data available to everyone.

A famous example of a project that uses the ODbL is OpenStreetMap (OSM). This project is like a giant, free map of the world that anyone can contribute to. In September 2012, OpenStreetMap decided to switch from a Creative Commons license to the ODbL to better protect how its map data is shared and used.

What is a Database License?

A database license is like a permission slip for using information stored in a database. A database is just an organized collection of information, like a list of all the books in a library or all the streets on a map. Without a license, using someone else's data might be against the rules, similar to how you need permission to use a copyrighted song or book. The ODbL makes it clear how you can use and share this data.

Why Do We Need Licenses for Data?

Just like books, music, or movies, the information in a database can be created by someone. That person or group usually owns the copyright to their work. A license tells you what you are allowed to do with that copyrighted material. The ODbL is special because it encourages sharing and collaboration, making it easier for people to work together on big projects that use lots of data.

Understanding Copyleft

The ODbL is a "copyleft" license. This might sound a bit confusing, but it's actually quite simple.

• Copyright usually means the creator has all the rights and can stop others from copying or sharing their work.
• Copyleft is a clever twist on copyright. It uses copyright law to make sure that a work, and any new versions made from it, always remain free for everyone to use, share, and change. It's like saying, "You can copy this, but if you share your copy or make changes, you have to let others copy and change your version too."

How Copyleft Helps Sharing

Copyleft helps create a big pool of shared knowledge and data. Because everyone who uses the data has to share their improvements, the database gets better and better over time. This is very useful for projects like OpenStreetMap, where many people contribute to building a detailed map of the world.

OpenStreetMap and the ODbL

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a huge project where volunteers from all over the world create a free, editable map. Imagine a map that anyone can add to, fix, or update!

• OSM started using a different license called Creative Commons.
• In 2012, they decided to switch to the ODbL.
• They made this change because the ODbL is specifically designed for databases. It helps make sure that all the map data contributed by thousands of people stays open and available for everyone to use, even if they create new maps or apps from it. This way, the map can keep growing and improving with everyone's help.

See also

In Spanish: Licencia Abierta de Bases de Datos para niños