4

I work for an ecological consultancy company. I’ve used a Google satellite layer inserted using the QuickMapServices plugin in QGIS. I’m going to insert the figure into a report for a client. What is the correct attribution/citation for the Google satellite layer please?

2 Answers 2

3

Following the Google Attribution Guidelines :

All uses of Google Maps and Google Earth content must provide attribution to both Google and our data providers. We do not approve of any use of content without proper attribution, in any circumstance. We require attribution when the content is shown. Requests for exceptions will not be answered or granted.

Where can I find the attribution information ?

You can find the attribution in the line(s) shown on the bottom of the content in the products along with copyright notices, such as “Map data ©2018 Google”. Note that the exact text of the attribution changes based on geography and content type. The attribution text must be legible to the average viewer or reader.

In Google Maps, you’ll find our data providers listed in the bottom right corner of the map. Here, Google is the data provider:

gmaps_attribution

What does the attribution text need to say?

If you’re not using the text provided directly on Google Maps and Google Earth imagery, the text of your attribution must say the name “Google” and the relevant data provider(s), such as “Map data: Google, DigitalGlobe”.

You may customize the style and placement of the attribution text, as long as the text is legible to the average viewer or reader. Note that Google logos cannot be used in-line (for example, "These maps from [Google logo].")

Solution 1 : go to Google Maps at the location of the maps with the correct zoom level and copy the bottom-right attribution text.

Solution 2 : refer to the Google Guidelines and cite "Map data: Google, list all other data providers".

1
  • And of course check if your use case fall under the "fair use" utilisation of google data
    – J.R
    Jan 30, 2019 at 16:57
1

Layers added through the QuickMapServices plugin come with attribution information in the Layer Properties.

enter image description here

As you can see it's not completely up to date (copyright date is listed as 2015) but there's also a link provided to attribution guidelines on the data provider's website.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.