The MB-System source code is distributed under the GNU General Public License (version 3) as formulated by the Free Software Foundation. Early MB-System distributions were described as "public domain", which meant there was no restriction whatsoever on the use of the code. For over a decade we have adopted the more restrictive GNU GPL license in order to insure that anyone who distributes software based in whole or in part on MB-System also distributes the modified MB-System source code and any additional source code.

The GNU GPL also prohibits the distribution of proprietary executables linked with MB-System libraries unless the source code is also distributed. We waive this restriction on distributing proprietary compiled programs for specific software products if and only if those software products meet the following two conditions:

• The software product was created, sold, and delivered to customers using source code derived from MB-System release 4.6 distributions.
• The software product was sold and delivered to customers prior to January 1, 2001.

The MB-System distribution includes some source code derived from packages that are distributed separately and have been authored by programmers other than the MB-System team. This includes:

• The Generic Sensor Format (GSF) library source located in mbsystem/src/gsf. The GSF package is distributed by the Leidos Maritime under contract to the Naval Oceanographic Office.
• The SURF API (SAPI) library source located in mbsystem/src/surf. The SAPI package has been released under the GNU General Public License by Atlas Hydrographic.
• The MR1PR library source located in mbsystem/src/mr1pr. This package has been openly released by the Hawaii Mapping Research Group.
• The PROJ.4 library source located in mbsystem/src/proj. This package was originally developed by Gerald Evenden of the United States Geological Survey, and is now maintained and distributed under an MIT license (that is very close to public domain) by Frank Warmerdam in association with the Open Source Geospational Foundation
• The mb_mergesort() function found in mbsystem/src/mbio/mb_esf.c derives from the GNU-Darwin Distribution. This code is released under both the Apple Public Source License Version 1.1 and the BSD license, with original copyright by the Regents of the University of California.

The MB-System software package does not come with any warranties, nor is it guarenteed to work on your computer or to do anything useful. The user assumes full responsibility for the use of this software. In particular, David W. Caress, Dale N. Chayes, the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, or any other individuals or organizations involved in the design and maintenance of the MB-System software package are NOT responsible for any damage that may follow from correct or incorrect use of these programs.

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