How to Cite Google Maps: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples
Citing sources is a cornerstone of academic integrity and proper research practices. When using Google Maps in your research papers, presentations, or reports, it’s crucial to provide accurate citations. Google Maps provides a wealth of geographical information, directions, and satellite imagery that can be invaluable for various projects. However, simply copying and pasting information without proper attribution is plagiarism. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of citing Google Maps in various citation styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago, and IEEE, along with detailed steps and examples.
## Why Cite Google Maps?
Before diving into the specifics of citation styles, let’s understand why citing Google Maps is essential:
* **Academic Integrity:** Proper citation demonstrates respect for intellectual property and acknowledges the source of your information.
* **Credibility:** Citing your sources adds credibility to your work, showing that you’ve conducted thorough research and are transparent about your information sources.
* **Reproducibility:** Accurate citations allow readers to verify your information and trace it back to the original source, ensuring the reproducibility of your research.
* **Avoiding Plagiarism:** Failure to cite sources, even unintentionally, can result in plagiarism, which has serious academic and professional consequences.
## General Information Needed for Citing Google Maps
Regardless of the citation style you choose, you’ll typically need the following information to create a proper citation for Google Maps:
* **Map Title:** This usually refers to the specific location, area, or route displayed on the map.
* **Website Name:** Google Maps
* **Publisher:** Google
* **URL:** The specific web address (URL) of the map you’re citing.
* **Date Accessed:** The date you viewed or used the map, as online content can change over time.
* **Specific Features Used:** Note if you used specific features like satellite imagery, street view, or driving directions.
## Citing Google Maps in APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in social sciences, education, and psychology. Here’s how to cite Google Maps in APA:
### Basic Format:
Google. (Year, Month Day). *Map title* [Type of map]. Google Maps. URL
### Components Explained:
* **Google:** The publisher of Google Maps.
* **(Year, Month Day):** The date you accessed the map. If no specific date is available, you can use the year. Include the month and day if available.
* ***Map title:*** The title of the specific map or location you’re citing. Be as descriptive as possible. For example, “Route from New York City to Philadelphia” or “Satellite view of the Grand Canyon.”
* **[Type of map]:** Specify the type of map you’re referencing, such as “Satellite map,” “Street map,” or “Driving directions.”
* **Google Maps:** Indicate that the map is from Google Maps.
* **URL:** The specific URL of the map you accessed.
### Examples:
**Example 1: Satellite view of the Grand Canyon**
Google. (2023, October 27). *Satellite view of the Grand Canyon* [Satellite map]. Google Maps. [https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0579548,-112.1430915,7z](https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0579548,-112.1430915,7z)
**Example 2: Driving directions from New York City to Philadelphia**
Google. (2023, October 27). *Driving directions from New York City to Philadelphia* [Driving directions]. Google Maps. [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.2152898,-75.6436976,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f0831:0x6496dce0f410236!2m2!1d-74.0060!2d40.7128!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6b7d8d4f67469:0xaa2c370f67a502c3!2m2!1d-75.1652!2d39.9526!3e0?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.2152898,-75.6436976,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f0831:0x6496dce0f410236!2m2!1d-74.0060!2d40.7128!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6b7d8d4f67469:0xaa2c370f67a502c3!2m2!1d-75.1652!2d39.9526!3e0?entry=ttu)
**Example 3: Street View of the Eiffel Tower**
Google. (2023, October 27). *Street View of the Eiffel Tower* [Street View]. Google Maps. [Specific URL of the Street View]
### In-Text Citation:
In APA style, you’ll also need to include an in-text citation within the body of your paper. This is a brief reference to the source that directs the reader to the full citation in the reference list.
* **Parenthetical Citation:** (Google Maps, Year)
* **Narrative Citation:** Google Maps (Year) shows…
For example:
“The geographic location of the research site was determined using Google Maps (Google, 2023).”
Or:
“Google Maps (2023) provides a detailed satellite view of the affected area.”
### Important Notes for APA Style:
* **No Author:** Since Google Maps is a product of Google, use “Google” as the author.
* **Date Accessed:** While APA doesn’t typically require access dates for stable online sources, it’s a good practice to include them for dynamic content like online maps that might change.
* **Specificity:** Be as specific as possible in the map title to accurately represent the information you’re citing.
## Citing Google Maps in MLA Style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in humanities disciplines, such as literature, languages, and cultural studies. Here’s how to cite Google Maps in MLA:
### Basic Format:
“Map Title.” *Google Maps*, Google, Date Accessed, URL.
### Components Explained:
* **”Map Title.”:** The title of the specific map or location you’re citing. Enclose the title in quotation marks.
* ***Google Maps:*** The name of the website in italics.
* **Google:** The publisher of Google Maps.
* **Date Accessed:** The date you accessed the map, in the format Day Month Year (e.g., 27 Oct. 2023).
* **URL:** The specific URL of the map you accessed.
### Examples:
**Example 1: Satellite view of the Grand Canyon**
“Satellite view of the Grand Canyon.” *Google Maps*, Google, 27 Oct. 2023, [https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0579548,-112.1430915,7z](https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0579548,-112.1430915,7z).
**Example 2: Driving directions from New York City to Philadelphia**
“Driving directions from New York City to Philadelphia.” *Google Maps*, Google, 27 Oct. 2023, [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.2152898,-75.6436976,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f0831:0x6496dce0f410236!2m2!1d-74.0060!2d40.7128!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6b7d8d4f67469:0xaa2c370f67a502c3!2m2!1d-75.1652!2d39.9526!3e0?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.2152898,-75.6436976,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f0831:0x6496dce0f410236!2m2!1d-74.0060!2d40.7128!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6b7d8d4f67469:0xaa2c370f67a502c3!2m2!1d-75.1652!2d39.9526!3e0?entry=ttu).
**Example 3: Street View of the Eiffel Tower**
“Street View of the Eiffel Tower.” *Google Maps*, Google, 27 Oct. 2023, [Specific URL of the Street View].
### In-Text Citation:
In MLA style, in-text citations usually consist of the first element of the Works Cited entry (in this case, the map title) and the page number (if applicable). Since Google Maps doesn’t have page numbers, you can omit the page number.
* **Example:** (“Satellite view of the Grand Canyon”)
Or, if you mention Google Maps in your sentence, you can simply refer to the map title:
“The satellite view of the Grand Canyon from Google Maps provides a clear depiction of the canyon’s geological formations.”
### Important Notes for MLA Style:
* **Quotation Marks:** Enclose the map title in quotation marks.
* **Italics:** Italicize the name of the website (*Google Maps*).
* **Date Format:** Use the Day Month Year format for the date accessed (e.g., 27 Oct. 2023).
* **Specificity:** Be as specific as possible in the map title.
## Citing Google Maps in Chicago Style
The Chicago Manual of Style is commonly used in history, literature, and other humanities disciplines. There are two main Chicago styles: Notes-Bibliography and Author-Date. We’ll focus on the Notes-Bibliography style here.
### Basic Format (Notes-Bibliography):
* **Note:** Google Maps, “Map Title,” accessed Date Accessed, URL.
* **Bibliography:** Google Maps. “Map Title.” Accessed Date Accessed. URL.
### Components Explained:
* **Google Maps:** The name of the website.
* **”Map Title.”:** The title of the specific map or location you’re citing. Enclose the title in quotation marks.
* **accessed Date Accessed:** The date you accessed the map, in the format Month Day, Year (e.g., October 27, 2023).
* **URL:** The specific URL of the map you accessed.
### Examples:
**Example 1: Satellite view of the Grand Canyon**
* **Note:** Google Maps, “Satellite view of the Grand Canyon,” accessed October 27, 2023, [https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0579548,-112.1430915,7z](https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0579548,-112.1430915,7z).
* **Bibliography:** Google Maps. “Satellite view of the Grand Canyon.” Accessed October 27, 2023. [https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0579548,-112.1430915,7z](https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0579548,-112.1430915,7z).
**Example 2: Driving directions from New York City to Philadelphia**
* **Note:** Google Maps, “Driving directions from New York City to Philadelphia,” accessed October 27, 2023, [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.2152898,-75.6436976,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f0831:0x6496dce0f410236!2m2!1d-74.0060!2d40.7128!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6b7d8d4f67469:0xaa2c370f67a502c3!2m2!1d-75.1652!2d39.9526!3e0?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.2152898,-75.6436976,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f0831:0x6496dce0f410236!2m2!1d-74.0060!2d40.7128!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6b7d8d4f67469:0xaa2c370f67a502c3!2m2!1d-75.1652!2d39.9526!3e0?entry=ttu).
* **Bibliography:** Google Maps. “Driving directions from New York City to Philadelphia.” Accessed October 27, 2023. [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.2152898,-75.6436976,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f0831:0x6496dce0f410236!2m2!1d-74.0060!2d40.7128!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6b7d8d4f67469:0xaa2c370f67a502c3!2m2!1d-75.1652!2d39.9526!3e0?entry=ttu).
**Example 3: Street View of the Eiffel Tower**
* **Note:** Google Maps, “Street View of the Eiffel Tower,” accessed October 27, 2023, [Specific URL of the Street View].
* **Bibliography:** Google Maps. “Street View of the Eiffel Tower.” Accessed October 27, 2023. [Specific URL of the Street View].
### Important Notes for Chicago Style (Notes-Bibliography):
* **Notes and Bibliography:** Chicago style uses both footnotes/endnotes (notes) and a bibliography.
* **Quotation Marks:** Enclose the map title in quotation marks.
* **Accessed Date:** Include the date you accessed the map.
* **Specificity:** Be as specific as possible in the map title.
## Citing Google Maps in IEEE Style
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) style is commonly used in engineering, computer science, and other technical fields. IEEE style uses numbered citations within the text, which correspond to entries in a numbered reference list at the end of the document.
### Basic Format:
[#] Google Maps, “Map Title,” [Online]. Available: URL. [Accessed: Date Accessed].
### Components Explained:
* **[#]:** The citation number within square brackets.
* **Google Maps:** The name of the website.
* **”Map Title.”:** The title of the specific map or location you’re citing. Enclose the title in quotation marks.
* **[Online]:** Indicates that the source is an online resource.
* **Available:** A literal word before the URL
* **URL:** The specific URL of the map you accessed.
* **[Accessed: Date Accessed]:** The date you accessed the map, in the format Month Day, Year (e.g., October 27, 2023).
### Examples:
**Example 1: Satellite view of the Grand Canyon**
[1] Google Maps, “Satellite view of the Grand Canyon,” [Online]. Available: [https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0579548,-112.1430915,7z](https://www.google.com/maps/@36.0579548,-112.1430915,7z). [Accessed: October 27, 2023].
**Example 2: Driving directions from New York City to Philadelphia**
[2] Google Maps, “Driving directions from New York City to Philadelphia,” [Online]. Available: [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.2152898,-75.6436976,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f0831:0x6496dce0f410236!2m2!1d-74.0060!2d40.7128!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6b7d8d4f67469:0xaa2c370f67a502c3!2m2!1d-75.1652!2d39.9526!3e0?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Philadelphia,+PA/@40.2152898,-75.6436976,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f0831:0x6496dce0f410236!2m2!1d-74.0060!2d40.7128!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6b7d8d4f67469:0xaa2c370f67a502c3!2m2!1d-75.1652!2d39.9526!3e0?entry=ttu). [Accessed: October 27, 2023].
**Example 3: Street View of the Eiffel Tower**
[3] Google Maps, “Street View of the Eiffel Tower,” [Online]. Available: [Specific URL of the Street View]. [Accessed: October 27, 2023].
### In-Text Citation:
In IEEE style, in-text citations are indicated by the number of the reference enclosed in square brackets. For example:
“The satellite imagery was obtained from Google Maps [1].”
### Important Notes for IEEE Style:
* **Numbered Citations:** Use numbered citations in the text and a numbered reference list.
* **[Online]:** Include “[Online]” to indicate that it’s an online source.
* **Available: URL:** Precede the URL with “Available:”.
* **Accessed Date:** Include the date you accessed the map.
* **Specificity:** Be as specific as possible in the map title.
## Tools for Generating Citations
While it’s important to understand the principles of each citation style, you can also use citation generators to help you create citations. Some popular citation generators include:
* **Zotero:** A free, open-source citation management tool that can automatically generate citations in various styles.
* **Mendeley:** Another popular citation management tool with similar features to Zotero.
* **Citation Machine:** A web-based tool that can generate citations in various styles.
* **EasyBib:** A web-based tool that can generate citations and check for plagiarism.
However, always double-check the citations generated by these tools to ensure accuracy and adherence to the specific requirements of your citation style.
## Best Practices for Citing Google Maps
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when citing Google Maps:
* **Accuracy:** Ensure that all the information in your citation is accurate, including the map title, URL, and date accessed.
* **Consistency:** Use the same citation style throughout your document.
* **Specificity:** Be as specific as possible in the map title to accurately represent the information you’re citing.
* **Double-Check:** Always double-check your citations for errors, especially if you’re using a citation generator.
* **Consult Style Guides:** Refer to the official style guides (e.g., APA Publication Manual, MLA Handbook, Chicago Manual of Style, IEEE Editorial Style Manual) for the most up-to-date information and guidelines.
* **Consider Screenshots:** For crucial map details that might change, consider including a screenshot of the map in an appendix. Reference the appendix in your citation.
## Troubleshooting Common Citation Issues
* **Missing Information:** If you’re missing some information (e.g., the exact date the map was created), try to find it on the Google Maps website or use the closest available date. If the date is truly unavailable, indicate “n.d.” (no date) in your citation, if the style guide permits it.
* **Long URLs:** If the URL is very long, you can use a URL shortening service (e.g., Bitly) to create a shorter, more manageable URL. However, be sure to test the shortened URL to ensure it redirects to the correct Google Maps page. Some citation guidelines frown upon URL shorteners, so follow the specific rules of your chosen style.
* **Dynamic Content:** Google Maps is a dynamic website, meaning its content can change over time. To ensure the accuracy of your citations, it’s a good practice to include the date you accessed the map.
* **Multiple Maps:** If you’re citing multiple maps from Google Maps, create a separate citation for each map.
## Conclusion
Citing Google Maps correctly is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring the credibility of your research. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this guide, you can confidently cite Google Maps in various citation styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago, and IEEE. Remember to be accurate, consistent, and specific in your citations, and always double-check your work for errors. With a little attention to detail, you can properly attribute your sources and avoid any potential issues of plagiarism.
By mastering the art of citing Google Maps, you’ll enhance the quality and reliability of your research, presentations, and reports.