Is it legal to use google / yahoo maps imagery in a commercial report?
In the US, check with your local or regional government’s planning department, economic development agency or even building or public works department. Many are now equipped with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and can supply better quality and more current imagery such as aerial photography and official maps (which Google and Yahoo can’t guarantee), at minimal cost. They may consider it public domain, as did one agency I worked for, or may simply require a source citation, as is the policy of the agency I am currently working with. Unfortunately, with the proliferation of free, web-based image providers, many agencies simply use these for their own planning needs. It all depends on the sophistication and resources of the agency.
