Loading of tiles without Google API is violation of Google Maps TOS

[nutiteq]

Warning: This code loads map data directly from Google servers, without using their API. This is direct violation of their terms of use.

[MikeMcQuaid]

What would need to be done to make this meet their ToS?

[nutiteq]

You would need to use their official SDK and get map through it. They have SDK for Javascript, so you would need to integrate with it somehow. How and is it technically possible - I'm not sure. Probably it is not feasible. Static Maps API would technically work also, but even this is allowed in "web browser context" only. I would guess that sooner or later Google will come out with own iOs Maps SDK, just as Bing, MapQuest, CloudMade, Navteq and others do, and it would be replacement for MapKit.

[nutiteq]

ps. I would suggest to offer other alternative map sources, where tiles are ok to be requested. See e.g. http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OSM_in_MapKit (tile.openstreetmap.org or mapquest open tiles)

[andynormancx]

But be aware that while the OpenStreetMap data is free to use, their tile servers aren't open to all and unrestricted usage without restriction:

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Tile_usage_policy

[MikeMcQuaid]

There's a million OpenStreetMap apps available so I don't see the benefit in having yet another one. What would be good is a way to get Google Maps still working and valid (I guess through the Javascript API somehow).

[andynormancx]

There are also several apps on the App Store already that will show Google tiles. One of them definitely doesn't use the correct API and violates the ToS, not sure about the other one (though I suspect that it too is using the tiles directly).

Neither of the apps I'm aware of however do decent searching, like ClassicMap does. But again I expect you are back onto dodgy ground with the Google ToS using their search APIs outside of a UIWebView.

IANAL though, so I could be wrong...

[nutiteq]

If you do not have significant app usage, then most probably Google does not notice, care or act for it. It is just that I've had one app a few years time ago which ended up with Cease and Desist letter from Google legal department exactly for using tiles directly. It happened after a couple of million downloads. This is why I'm maybe a bit paranoid for these things.

[airdrummingfool]

This might be useful: https://developers.google.com/maps/articles/tutorial-iphone

[iWhacko]

airdrummingfool, while that is a nice tutorial, it uses a webview to show googlemaps. Which is not preferred here.

How is it exactly against ToS anyway? the api's use the same URL's to retrieve the images. As long as you keep the Google logo in the tiles, I think it's ok.

[andynormancx]

"You may not access the maps or satellite images through any mechanism besides the Google Maps APIs (such as the creation of your own mapping API or the use of a bulk tile download script). Your application's access to the tiles will be blocked if it accesses them outside of the Google Maps APIs"

https://developers.google.com/maps/faq#tos_tiles

"10.1.1. General Restrictions.
(a) No Access to Maps API(s) except through the Service. You must not access or use the Maps API(s) or any Content through any technology or means other than those provided in the Service, or through other explicitly authorized means Google may designate. For example, you must not access map tiles or imagery through interfaces or channels (including undocumented Google interfaces) other than the Maps API(s)."

https://developers.google.com/maps/terms

All seems very clear and unambiguous that accessing the tiles directly is not allowed.

[nutiteq]

See also http://www.mgmaps.com/news.php?item=136

[airdrummingfool]

@iWhacko: it may not be preferred, but it might be only way that Google allows (at least it seems to be the way they recommend).