Standards for Use of Mapping Providers v1.0

1. Document Purpose

1.1. This standard explains which mapping providers you can use on bbc.co.uk sites.

1.1.1. Mapping providers are third parties who supply interactive mapping solutions for websites; for example, Google Maps, and Microsoft Virtual Earth.

1.2. It has been created to give guidance and direction to website production teams on which mapping solutions they can use on their sites.

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2. Background

2.1. Interactive maps have been used for some time on bbc.co.uk; however, because there was no clear guidance on which providers should be used, a variety of different solutions have been implemented, leading to inconsistent user experiences.

2.2. To address some of these issues the Mapping Design Working Group [ an internal BBC website – gain access via your Technical Account Manager] has been set up to define a consistent set of icons and tools that can be laid over the top of whichever mapping provider has been chosen. This means that whatever provider you are using the audience will always use the same tools to navigate the map.

2.2.1. For further information about the work this group is doing, refer to the Mapping and Neogeography wiki site [ an internal BBC website – gain access via your Technical Account Manager].

2.3. A Mapping Implementation Working Group has also been established, to discuss and agree any technical considerations that must be made when implementing the designs approved by the Mapping Design Working Group.

2.3.1. For further information, refer to the Mapping Implementation Working Group wiki site [ an internal BBC website – gain access via your Technical Account Manager].

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3. Mapping Providers You Can Use

3.1. The current recommended mapping provider is Microsoft Virtual Earth (MSVE).

3.1.1. For guidance on implementing MSVE maps, you MUST contact the Editor, Standards & Guidelines.

3.2. The BBC is in current negotiations with other mapping providers. This standard will be updated accordingly.

3.3. If you are considering using another mapping provider, you MUST contact the Editor, Standards & Guidelines who can advise on legal requirements and third-party hosting requirements.

3.3.1. For background information refer to the Third Party Hosting Requirements Standard.

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4. Mapping Providers You Cannot Use Currently

4.1. At present, you MUST NOT use Google Maps on bbc.co.uk.

4.1.1. This is because the standard Google Maps terms and conditions are not suitable for use on the BBC website.

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5. Document History and Contacts

Date	Version	Change	Author
31/10/2008	v1.0	New document.	Victoria Jolliffe

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