This is more of a non-technical question, but here goes.
I have authored several tools that can make use of use of the Google Geocode and Directions Web APIs as part of some "plugin/extension" type software I have written (but not released) for a desktop-based commercial GIS application. These tools of course adheer to the 2500 geocodes/day limit and a 10 request/second throtle. I have written several other geocoding/directions tools that hit off other free/unlimited web APIs (ESRI, OSM, etc.). Since Google is so well known, I would like to include the Google APIs as well. However, in reading the Google API Terms of Service https://developers.google.com/maps/terms#section_10_12, my use case of a non-web based application seems a bit legally vague... Some more details: My software download is free, however has a relatively small processing limit (< 10 geocodes/routes) in place unless a full license is purchased (from me). For the Google-based tools, my GUI is set up to include Google 'Client Id' and 'Digital Signature' parameters (with explainations and weblinks) so that end users can make use of their Google Business License. Additionally, my software encodes the returned geocode/direction results into standard GIS formats, and can alter the output coordinate system. My software doesn't display the geocode/directions results on a 'Google Map' base layer persay, but doesn't neccessarily display it on another 'Map' either (example: a 'Bing Map'). Results are displayed on a canvas capable of displaying any geospatial data layers. The Geocoding/Directions toolsets, of which the 'Google API' would be an optional paramter as woulld 'OSM API' and 'ESRI API', are a subset (but important subset) of the overall software which does many other things unrelated to geocoding/directions. At any rate, I would like to include a 'Google API' option for my Geocoding/Routing toolset.
My basic question is: Provided the use case above, can I in good faith include the Google Geocode/Directions Web APIs in my software? If the answer is 'No', are there any use cases where Google Geocode and Directions Web APIs could be used in my software?
Any response (especially from Google Maps staff!) would be greatly appreciated.
This is against their Terms of Services. Below are links and snippets from the pages. I recently deal with this issue at my job.
https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/directions/
Note: the Directions API may only be used in conjunction with displaying results on a Google map; using Directions data without displaying a map for which directions data was requested is prohibited. Additionally, calculation of directions generates copyrights and warnings which must be displayed to the user in some fashion. For complete details on allowed usage, consult the Maps API Terms of Service License Restrictions.
https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/geocoding/
Note: the Geocoding API may only be used in conjunction with a Google map; geocoding results without displaying them on a map is prohibited. For complete details on allowed usage, consult the Maps API Terms of Service License Restrictions.
Although that question was asked back in 2013, here is an excerpt from the current Google Maps APIs FAQ, as of March 21, 2016.
Can I use Google Maps in my non-Web application?
Yes, the Google Maps APIs can now be used in desktop applications, provided that they adhere to the other restrictions of the Terms of Service. Note that in order for a desktop application to be deemed "publicly accessible", there must be a publicly accessible webpage from which it can be downloaded. See Section 9.1 of the Terms of Service for more information.
So it's "now" possible under certain conditions.
Related
Currently, I'm working on a Mapping Project , and I'd like to know if there's a way to know how many lanes in a single road (same direction), using one of Maps API, like google map. Because at the end I have to display if a lane is blocked, which kind of vehicles can go on a lane, and also the speed limit. But for now I just need to display the number of lanes.
For my application, I'm using Xamarin and Xamarin.forms.maps to display the map and also the Plugin.geolocator for some geolocation informations.
This feature has been requested in the Issue Tracker of Google Maps APIs. However, the request has been rejected as it will violate the compliance of the Google Maps Platform Terms of Service.
They said in the request:
Unfortunately, exposing this in the Directions API would encourage use
of the Maps APIs in ways that would not be in compliance with the
Google Maps/Google Earth APIs Terms of Service at
https://developers.google.com/maps/terms#10-license-restrictions
10.4 Restrictions on Unfair Exploitation of the Service and Content.
c. Restrictions on your Maps API Implementations.
iii: No navigation. You will not use the Service or Content for or in
connection with (a) real-time navigation or route guidance; or (b)
automatic or autonomous vehicle control.
You may check the Feature Request here.
This is only applicable to Google Maps Platform, I'm not sure though with other Maps provider. Hope this helps.
I'd like to create a web app something like Zillow.com but not in the US. I'm wondering if I can use the Google Maps API for free for that and if not, what are cheap alternatives to get me started? Thank you in advance!
You can use OpenStreetMap in commercial products. All you have to do is quote them as the source of your map data.
You can find the detailed license information here: http://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright
You can use the Google Maps API for free if your maps api implementation is publicly available (free). If not, you must purchase a Google Maps API for Business License.
The following is taken from the free Google Maps API license:
(a) Free Access (No Fees). Your Maps API Implementation must be
generally accessible to users without charge and must not require a
fee-based subscription or other fee-based restricted access. This rule
applies to Your Content and any other content in your Maps API
Implementation, whether Your Content or the other content is in
existence now or is added later.
(b) Public Access (No Firewall). Your Maps API implementation must not
operate (i) only behind a firewall; or (ii) only on an internal
network (except during the development and testing phase); or (iii) in
a closed community (for example, through invitation-only access).
If the Google Maps licenses won't work for you, you could use OpenStreetMap.
I want to create a navigation software and I need strong maps.
How can to export Google maps data and understand them for creating new navigation software?
Is it illegal?
You cannot export Google maps data. In fact you aren't even allowed to cache them:
When using Google Maps or Earth APIs, you may not cache any imagery or
other Content. Google continually updates the imagery within Maps and
Earth; thus, caching may result in stale or even impermissible
imagery. For full details, please read section 10.3.1 of the Maps/Earth API Terms of Service.
All google maps usage must be through the appropriate google maps API which specifically forbids turn-by-turn navigation if that is where you were going with this.
As an alternative you can try openstreetmap.org and check out their API usage policy
Basically you can download the entire planet as vectorized data from various planet.osm mirrors
You might want to read this first http://maps.google.com/help/terms_maps.html:
Unless you have received prior written authorization from Google (or, as applicable, from the provider of particular Content), you must not: (a) copy, translate, modify, or make derivative works of the Content or any part thereof; (b) redistribute, sublicense, rent, publish, sell, assign, lease, market, transfer, or otherwise make the Products or Content available to third parties; (c) reverse engineer, decompile or otherwise attempt to extract the source code of the Service or any part thereof, unless this is expressly permitted or required by applicable law
In other words, you're not allowed to extract their data.
I'm developing an iPhone app that uses a map and show direction between two points on the map, the problem is i cant use the Google maps because it does not support street naming in my country, so instead I'm using CloudMade maps.
The question is can i still query Google servers with direction requests and use the results on the CloudMade map? Is the Google license allows it?
According to Google's terms of service you cannot place any content obtained from Google's service on any other map without written permission from Google.
10.1.1
(g) No Use of Content without a Google Map. You must not use or
display the Content without a corresponding Google map, unless you are
explicitly permitted to do so in the Maps APIs Documentation, or
through written permission from Google. For example, you must not use
geocodes obtained through the Service except in conjunction with a
Google map, but you may display Street View imagery without a
corresponding Google map because the Maps APIs Documentation
explicitly permits you to do so.
I would contact Google, they may be able to work with you in your situation.
Update:
Google contact information is a bit sparse for free maps.
Here is a link to the permissions tool:
http://www.google.com/intl/en/permissions/geoguidelines.html
This is a link to Google Enterprise support:
http://www.google.com/support/enterprise/bin/answer.py?answer=142244#maps
Or you may want to try and contact a Google office in your country if one exists. I do not believe their legal department has a direct contact information for the public.
http://www.google.com/intl/en/about/corporate/company/address.html
An here is the Google premier sales contact information. I don't think you would need to obtain a premier license (they are expensive) with the information you provided about your app but the sales representative may be able to point you in the right direction.
http://www.google.com/support/enterprise/bin/request.py?contact_type=gme&utm_campaign=en-codepremier
I have an app for which I have extensive use of geocoding, and map plotting. I'd like to make money off it, but not pay the $10k tax since I'm a little guy.
I was thinking about offering the mapping aspects of the app for free, but charge for additional add-ons/features.
Would this be breaking the google licensing?
You can normally use the free Google Maps API if your Maps API implementation is generally accessible to users without charge. You may require users to log in to a section in your website where you would have the Maps API Implementation, but you must not require users to pay a fee. (Google Maps API Terms of Service)
Unless you have entered into a separate written agreement with Google or obtained Google's written permission, your Maps API Implementation must not:
require a fee-based subscription or other fee-based restricted access; or
operate only behind a firewall or only on an internal network (except during the development and testing phase).
In addition you mentioned that your application will use geocoding extensively. Server-side geocoding with the free Maps API has a limit of 15,000 request per IP address per day. (Google Maps API FAQ)
I would suggest getting in touch with Google first, describing your application. They should be able to classify if your application can work within the terms of the free Maps API or not.