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Level 6

Re: Where not to take pictures?

Common Sense, That makes sense. I'll be careful to stay within those boundaries. Thanks for the tip.

Level 6

Re: Where not to take pictures?

As someone else noted in this thread: the one absolute golden rule is: use common sense.

 

Look for the "no photo" signs and respect them.

When in doubt: ask. 

Many store/restaurant owners love the idea of getting the Streetview picture added (and may ask you to help update their listing regarding address, etc).

 

The one that surprised me (until I thought it though for a sec) was any place with art work:  anyone with original art is concerned that the photo's can be used to copy the art.

 

Another one I typically hold back on are places that already have professional Streetview pictures: the store owner typically had to pay a lot for those and adding a (possibly lower quality) photosphere doesn't make their place look much better.

If the professional pictures are out of date and the place looks significantly different now it is fair game.

 

 

Level 10

Re: Where not to take pictures?

Dear JeffMuir, hope all's well.

 

Maps photo policy
https://support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/7422880

 

Kind regards from Osaka78

Level 9

Re: Where not to take pictures?


@Osaka78forTRUMP wrote:

Dear JeffMuir, hope all's well.

 

Maps photo policy
https://support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/7422880

 

Kind regards from Osaka78


@Osaka78forTRUMP,

Thanks for posting the policy. It makes things very clear. 

Overall, it is easier to take pictures outside. Unless you have people in the shot, the act of taking a picture is fairly safe. On of the biggest problems are window glare and reflections. Shooting from an angle usually solves the reflection issue.

Regards,

Jeff 

Jeff Muir
Admin - Global Guides
Level 10

Re: Where not to take pictures?

👍 Thanks, Jeff

Level 3

Re: Where not to take pictures?

Also dressing rooms and toilets are an absolute NO GO.

Level 6

Re: Where not to take pictures?

I'm happy this post was here. Very helpful. For the first time, I came across this issue today at a temp agency. I was walking past and got an alert asking me to contribute to a business. That business had been closed and replaced with another company. The new company was listed on Google with the same address, but very generically. No phone number, website, pictures... So, I went in and told them I wanted to update their information on Google: Phone number, hours, website and maybe some pictures... I was told no. Then, asked to leave. I was shocked. I work in an office building next door and was at lunch when this happened. I was dressed very nicely, polite and complied. But, still very shocked. Their loss. It's free advertising in my opinion. 

Level 9

Re: Where not to take pictures?

@Waverly,

Good point. Their loss. The good news is that there is nothing wrong with you entering in non-picture information. Phone number, web site address, location, etc... can be added without their permission. I have never heard of anyone being able to block entering basic information. The pictures are the sensitive items. Even then, taking pictures in public space outside of their building is fine. This means that you could take pictures of any signs which can be seen outside.

It is shocking when they turn you away. It does not make sense usually. In the last year, it has only happened once to me. As a result, that shopping mall that I visited has no pictures from anyone in Google Maps. The truth is that you being rejected had nothing to do with you. It is all about preconceptions and bad past experiences.  Companies fear certain things. Some fear being shown in a bad light. Some fear that any action might be a scam. Yet others wonder if you are trying to steal something from them. And, some even fear being sued by people for some unknown reason. The theories are endless. In my case, I suspect that the mall I visited was trying to control the pictures being taken so that they could charge the tenants for professional photos.   The explained implication was that they could not trust people to take pictures when families were around. My mistake with them was to take pictures of a bank on the outside edge of the mall. The cleaner thought I was taking pictures for the sake of planning a robbery. Her management had instructed her to report anyone taking pictures. She did. I tried to ask for permission at the main mall office, but it was too late. Given that it was my first experience with being escorted out, I was taking it too seriously and was resisting what they were saying. In the end, the best advice is to listen and leave. It is not worth it. There are plenty of other places to go.  Like you said, it is their loss.

 

 

Jeff Muir
Admin - Global Guides
Level 10

Re: Where not to take pictures?

Yes, also, quality takes time. Eventually, most people will understand how Maps and Local Guides works together to benefit everyone. At the moment, many people are unaware of the broad reach of Google Maps. Just meet people where they're at, it's part of the journey. Kind regards from Osaka78

Level 6

Re: Where not to take pictures?

Thank you so much, Jeff and Osaka.

Your replies have helped. It was discouraging, but understanding that perhaps they thought I had malicious intent helps to soften it for me. Thanks again.