Nov 19 2022

Microsoft Maps License Agreement

Microsoft Maps License Agreement: What You Need to Know

If you`re a developer or a business using Microsoft Maps, it`s important to understand the license agreement that comes with the product. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions for using the maps and the data provided by Microsoft. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at the Microsoft Maps License Agreement and what you need to know to stay compliant.

What is Microsoft Maps?

Microsoft Maps is a web mapping service powered by Bing Maps and provides a set of APIs that developers can use to integrate mapping functionality into their applications. Microsoft Maps offers several features, including geocoding, routing, and map rendering. It`s commonly used by businesses for location-based services, logistics, and asset tracking.

License Types

The Microsoft Maps License Agreement provides two license types: Basic and Enterprise. The Basic license is for non-commercial use, such as academic research, personal projects, or non-profit organizations. The Enterprise license is for commercial use, such as businesses that use Microsoft Maps for their products or services.

The Basic license is free, but it has limitations on the amount of data and usage. The Enterprise license requires a subscription fee, but it offers more features and unlimited usage.

Data Usage Restrictions

One of the most critical parts of the Microsoft Maps License Agreement is the data usage restrictions. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions for using the data provided by Microsoft. You cannot use the maps and data for any illegal, harmful, or inappropriate purposes. You cannot use the data to create your maps or compete with Microsoft Maps.

Additionally, you cannot use the maps for any navigation, surveying, or any other purpose that requires precision or accuracy. The data provided by Microsoft Maps is not intended for these purposes and may not be accurate or up-to-date.

You must also comply with the privacy laws of the countries where you use the maps. Microsoft Maps collects and stores data from users, such as location data, IP addresses, and device information. You must ensure that you have the necessary consent from your users to collect and use their data.

API Usage Limits

The Microsoft Maps License Agreement also outlines the API usage limits for both Basic and Enterprise licenses. The Basic license has a limit of 125,000 transactions per year, while the Enterprise license allows unlimited transactions.

A transaction is defined as a request to Microsoft Maps that returns a result. For example, a geocoding request is one transaction. If you exceed the API usage limit, you may need to upgrade to an Enterprise license or pay additional fees.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Maps License Agreement is an essential document for anyone using Microsoft Maps. Understanding the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement is crucial to stay compliant and avoid any legal issues. The data usage restrictions, API usage limits, and license types are the primary aspects of the agreement that you need to be aware of.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Microsoft Maps License Agreement, it`s best to consult a legal expert or contact Microsoft support for assistance. Following the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement will help ensure that you can continue to use Microsoft Maps for your business or personal projects.

Comments are closed.