Can I publish a Bing map from OpenLayer Plugin in my thesis?

Question

I have QuantumGIS 1.8.0. I made a map that I'd like to use in my thesis. I made it using Bing road layer map. I found it in open layers plugin. Do I have the rights to publish the map as a part of my thesis?

Answer 1

Here is an interesting site from MIT that discusses copyright of figures and fair use policy. I would be inclined to accept their assertions given their status as a premier institution.

See the answer from @tmcw for a link to the Bing ToS. Reading that, I believe that you can utilize the map in a not-for-profit academic setting.

Answer 2

Bing terms of use: http://www.microsoft.com/maps/product/terms.html

You cannot:

Save, download, print, distribute, transmit or manipulate the bird’s eye imagery, or offer others that ability, through your Company Application.

Answer 3

The license agreements of those "Open" layers usually only allow a private, noncommercial use. Publishing data in an academic context is somewhat disputeable as to whether the terms of conditions are violated or not.

I'd advise you to simply use the Openstreetmap (OCM) layers since they are under Fair Use and can be used in any context as long as the origin is mentioned.