I have a question about the rule that you are not allowed to upload duplicate photos to Google Maps. In particular, it is not clear to me how to understand that rule. I suppose that rule means at least that you may not upload the same photo twice to the same POI. But, is it or is it not allowed to upload the same photo to multiple POI’s?
Here is an example, The following is a photo I made of a restaurant that is located on the beach of Vama Veche, Romania.
Would I be allowed to upload it both to the POI that represents the restaurant itself and at the same time also to the POI that represents the beach on which the restaurant is located? I would hope the answer would be yes, since the photo is relevant to both POI’s.
Another question is: if that is allowed, how far are you allowed to go? [Google Maps profile redacted] of a user is a good illustration of this. On this profile, whereas there are no duplicate pictures linked to any single POI, dozens (or possibly hundreds) of identical photos are shown at different locations of for example Ikea, Leen Bakker, Primark, Action and other stores. The difference with the Vama Veche reference is that whereas any photo that is uploaded to multiple stores of the same brand may be relevant to the brand, they do not represent the particular store to which they haven uploaded.
I find that Google is rather foggy on the issue. I cannot seem to find any clear description of what is considered a duplicate photo and what not. Any insights from experienced LG’s are welcome.
“don’t post the same content multiple times” is what you can read on Prohibited and Restricted Content . This is a definitive answer, even if I understand your first question. We will have to make a choice, and decide which place is more appropriate for that photo. Every photo used more than once is a duplicate photo.
The same article give clear answer also to the second point mentioned by you: “Contributions to Google Maps should accurately represent the location in question. Where contributions distort truth, we will remove content. This includes reviews, photos, or videos not related to the location or business where they are tagged. If content is inaccurately placed on the map, or is associated with an incorrect listing, the contribution may be rejected.”
I saw contributions of people who took a photo of an hamburger, and uploaded the same photos on all the locations of the same business (hamburgers) in Google Maps. I said people, because I cannot use anymore the term Local Guides for them
It is very clear that posting the same photo to 2 or more POI is not ok.
What is less clear is when it comes to near-duplicates. Just walking 2-3 meters and taking the same shot again is also not okay. Zooming in or out will often also result in near-duplicates.
Think of it this way: What will be help full to Maps users? Seeing similar photos and duplicate photos is not bringing extra or new value to Maps users.
Another helpful tip is to look at the photo with fresh eyes (as if you have never seen it before). What catches your eyes first? That is probably where you should post your photo. To me, the cafe/restaurant is what I see before the beach in your shot.
“Do not upload duplicate photos. Sharing the same photo more than once on one location or across multiple locations is a violation of our rules and policies and may result in your removal from the program.”
“Dark, blurry, and redundant photos will be removed. Users who duplicate photos across locations, or post images that infringe on copyrights, will also be removed.”
“Do not upload duplicate photos. Sharing the same photo more than once on one location or across multiple locations is a violation of our rules and policies and may result in your removal from the program.”
De altfel, am scris in engleza pentru că nu sunt român, sunt Belgian, din Antwerpen. “Ion Țăranu” e traducerea al numelui meu in română. Vorbesc puțin română pentru că nevasta mea este româncă. Am călătorit la voi in toata tara, si bineînțeles am fost de mai multe ori in Vama Veche. România te iubesc . Sa trăiască.
Hello @Ion_Taranu
You have got an adequate number of answers and also a solution regarding posting of the same photo multiple times.
Nevertheless, about the specific example mentioned by you, the photo would be suitable for posting on the POI Beach. There should be another photo which displays the frontage & signboard of the restaurant, explicitly.
Thus, the enigma of adding the same pic at two different places doesn’t arise.
PS : Aceeasi poza , apare ca fiind facute la doua locatii ( nu le mai dau numele, se vad destul de bine)… numai ca… SURPRIZA… !! poza nu e facuta la nici una din ele … ci este de la PATRIARHIE , din Bucuresti.
Stiu asta ( 100% ) dupa pictura de pe perete , forma portitelor din spate, lampadar/candelabru ,forma usilor de intrare dar si "bradutii din ghivece…
Asa ca una zicem… alta fumam…
Astept reactii, de la astia… cu regulile pe trompeta…
Please accept my apologies for mentioning you on this old thread, @MortenCopenhagen , @JanVanHaver and @ErmesT , but I do have a similar question to ask when I see this picture:
This building has two different POIs. On the first floor is a bank, and on the ground floor is a furniture store. This image should give very good visual guidance to people as to where these two businesses are located. Now what would be your take on cases like this?
Uploading the same photo to more than one pin is always a violation.
While taking photos you will need to plan for this and take two different photos when two (or more) businesses are located in the same building. Also, the rule about photos should clearly show the place are at play here.
