Virtual Map argues it created own framework for maps
By May Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 09 January 2008 2133 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Virtual Map, which operates streetdirectory.com, argued in court on Wednesday that it developed its own framework to create its maps, but the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) maintained that Virtual Map had copied those created by SLA.

Last August, the court had ruled in favour of SLA, prompting Virtual Map to file an appeal.

Virtual Map said it may have used the Singapore Land Authority's maps, but only for the purpose of driving around Singapore to collect its own data using global positioning system (GPS).

Using that data, Virtual Map said it then developed its own framework or backbone to create its maps.

To that, the Singapore Land Authority was quick to disagree. SLA's lawyer, Dedar Singh Gill, noted that if Virtual Map did not copy SLA's framework, Virtual Map would not have been able to produce the maps in the first place.

He also pointed to evidence which showed that Virtual Map had used its backbone to verify the roads already mapped out by SLA.

Mr Gill added that this is why all the phantom features, planted on SLA's map to catch copiers, also showed up on streetdirectory.com.

But Virtual Map's lawyer, Low Chai Chong, insisted those were human errors. He reiterated that Virtual Map had gathered its own data to map out its online road networks.

Justice Tan Lee Meng, who is hearing the appeal, then responded to this, saying there is no dispute that Virtual Map had collected GPS data.

However, he questioned whether the company had used it sufficiently or simply superimposed it on SLA's maps.

The appeal hearing has been adjourned to a later date.


- CNA/so