'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Copyright and Usage Rights for Excel 3D Maps Images in Publications
Question details
The user needs to understand the copyright and usage rights for publishing images generated with Excel 3D Maps.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Using Excel 3D Maps images in research publications, academic papers, or commercial work.
- Observed behavior
- The user must identify and comply with the licensing and attribution requirements of Microsoft and its underlying map data providers, such as Bing, TomTom, and GeoNames.
Before submitting your document for publication, gather information about your target publisher's specific guidelines regarding third-party map data and image attributions.
Comply with Microsoft and Third-Party Licensing Terms
Follow the official licensing agreements to legally use Excel 3D map charts in your publications.
The copyright of a map chart created through Microsoft Excel belongs to Microsoft. Because these maps integrate data from multiple sources, you must adhere to the specific terms set by each provider.
Access the Microsoft Bing Maps Platform API Terms of Use online to understand permitted uses, restrictions, and whether redistribution or commercial publication is allowed.
Verify the licensing terms for TomTom and GeoNames, as these providers supply the underlying map imagery and data used in Excel 3D Maps.
Ensure that your publication includes clear, visible attribution to Bing, TomTom, Microsoft, and GeoNames. Do not crop out watermarks or copyright text generated by Excel.
If you are publishing commercially or in a strict academic journal, present these Terms of Use to your publisher or a qualified copyright attorney for a definitive legal determination.
Create Powerful Data Visualizations with WPS Office
While Microsoft Excel offers 3D Maps with strict copyright constraints, you can explore WPS Office as a free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative. WPS Spreadsheet provides excellent format compatibility and rich standard charting tools for your research and business data without the heavy subscription costs.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx files to continue analyzing and charting your data seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Excel map charts in a commercial book or website?
Yes, but you must strictly adhere to the Microsoft Bing Maps Platform API Terms of Use, which dictate how map images can be displayed and require proper attribution to Microsoft and its data providers like TomTom.
Do I need to manually add attributions to Excel 3D Maps?
Excel typically includes standard watermarks or copyright attributions within the generated map image. You should ensure these are not cropped out. If your publisher requires standard text citations, you will need to add them to your image caption manually.
Does Microsoft own the copyright to the maps I create with my own data?
While you own your underlying dataset, the copyright for the graphical map chart image generated by the software belongs to Microsoft and its respective mapping partners.
