Permission Guidelines for Google Maps and Google Earth

Thank you for your interest in using maps or satellite images from Google Maps or Google Earth.

To get started, use our permissions tool which will ask you up to four questions about the content you plan to use and how you will use it. It will then display the relevant usage requirements and guidelines.

Use the Permissions Tool

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I know before getting started with the Geo Permissions Tool?

To determine if your proposed use of Content is acceptable, you should first read closely the applicable Terms of Service:

Your use of Content, as defined in the Terms of Service, in anything from marketing and promotional materials to films and books is first and foremost governed by the license provided in the applicable Terms of Service for the product. In certain circumstances, Google may be able to grant you a broader license to use the Content in a manner not covered in the Terms of Service. Plus, apart from any license granted to you by Google, your use of Content may be acceptable under principles of “fair use.”

Fair use is a concept under copyright law in the U.S. that, generally speaking, permits you to use a copyrighted work in certain ways without obtaining a license from the copyright holder. There are a variety of factors that affect whether your use of Content would be considered fair use, including the purpose and character of your use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount of the copyrighted material used, and the effect of your use upon the potential market for the copyrighted work. For example, there are differences between use in a for-fee service and use in a work of scholarship, or the use of a single map screenshot and the use of detailed map images for an entire country. There are similar, although generally more limited, concepts in other countries’ copyright laws, including a concept known as “fair dealing” in a number of countries. That all being said ...

Please do not request that we interpret whether your use of Content is fair use. Google cannot tell you if your use of Content from our products would be fair use or would be considered fair dealing; these are legal analyses that depend on all of the specific facts of your proposed use. We suggest you speak with an attorney if you have questions regarding fair use of copyrighted works.

2. Can you give me permission to show your content without attribution, or put the attribution at the end of my book/movie/TV show?

Without exception, we require attribution when Content is shown. Please do not ask to negotiate this requirement. If you are unwilling to meet our attribution requirements, contact our data provider(s) directly to inquire about purchasing the rights to the Content directly. See our attribution page for more information.

3. I need to contact one of your data providers. Can you please provide me with their contact information?

No, but may we recommend a Google search.

4. Can you sign an agreement or letter indicating I have permission to use your imagery?

Due to limited resources and high demand, we are unable to sign any letter or contract specifying that your project or use has our explicit permission. The only exception is when you apply for a television and film broadcast license.

5. Can Google provide me with high-resolution screenshots?

If you need to export high-resolution imagery from Google Earth, you will need to purchase Google Earth Pro. We are not able to provide high-resolution versions of our Google Maps tiles.

6. I'd like to publicize the work I've created using Content from Google Maps and Google Earth. Can I send out a press release?

Google is relatively conservative when it comes to press releases. Please do not release any publicity materials that refer to Google, Google Maps or Google Earth, unless you have prior written approval from us.

7. May I alter your imagery for my project?

Any use of Google Maps and Google Earth must reflect how the products and imagery would look online. For example, you are not allowed to make any changes (e.g. delete, blur, etc.) to our products or imagery that would make these items look genuinely different. This includes, but is not limited to, adding clouds or other natural elements, altered user-interfaces, and modifications that do not appear in the actual product. However, Google offers a Styled Maps API which allows you to edit the colors of individual map components as well as toggle visibility for each component (i.e. change water to purple and make roads invisible).

8. I’d like to trace a map using your imagery. Can I?

You may not use Google Maps or Google Earth as the basis for tracing your own maps or other geographic content.

9. I’d like to use one of your product logos. Can I?

If you’d like to feature one of our product logos in a commercial, TV show or film, please get in touch with us.

10. My film includes a scene in which an actor uses Google Earth on his computer. Do I need your permission to use this scene in my film?

You do not need explicit permission or a broadcast license if you are demonstrating the use of a Google product as such, for example a tutorial on using the product or an actor using Google Maps for Android on her phone.

11. Looks like I’m required to have a broadcast license to use Google Maps and Google Earth in my television show or film. How does that process work exactly?

First, you’ll need to apply for our free broadcast license using this Google form. We’ll then be in touch via e-mail with a copy of our click-to-accept agreement for your signature.

12. What if I need to renew my broadcast license?

To renew, please submit your information to this Google form.

13. My use-case requires Google Earth Pro. Where can I buy a license?

Please visit the Google Earth Pro website for purchasing information.

14. I’m having trouble with Google Maps or Google Earth. Can I contact you?

For technical questions and support, please refer to our Help Centers for Google Maps and Google Earth.

15. How do I report an inaccuracy or request a change in Google Maps or imagery?

Please do not report these matters through the permissions process. In countries and regions where it is available, you may use the “Report a Problem” link at the bottom right of Google Maps for desktop. If your country is editable through Map Maker, you may make the changes yourself. If your concern relates to privacy in Street View, please visit the Street View microsite.