Skip to content

Blog

How to Cite a Google Map

Learn to reference Google Maps properly. Discover best practices, examples, and an easy formula for citing maps from Google Maps in academic writing.

Raphaël Larouche

Updated 1 min read

Summarize this article with: ChatGPT Perplexity Claude
How to Cite a Google Map

Google Maps location

Citing a Google Maps location can be straightforward once you know the right steps. Begin by identifying the title of the map, which might be the name of a street, landmark, or entire area.

Next, click on the “Share” option in the side panel. This will give you a short URL. Your readers can use this link to access the spot you’re referencing directly.

Google Map, Share option

When citing maps from services like Digimap, remember to follow their specific guidelines. When using Google Maps, you can follow a clear and consistent way to show your sources in academic work.

– Always include the publisher, which is Google Maps.

– Mention the year it was published, usually the current year.

– Include the map’s title and scale.

– Provide the web address.

– State the date you accessed it.

Below is a helpful template:

Google Maps (Year) Title of map, scale. Available from: [Short URL or full URL] [Accessed day month year].

For instance, if you were citing a map of a local park in 2023, you could write:

Google Maps (2023) City Park, 1:100. Available from:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9qygTaWYWe3wxdJX9 [Accessed 15 January 2025].

In-text citations would look like this:

(Google Maps, 2023)

Giving details like the publisher’s name, scale, and access date shows accuracy in your work. It also helps readers check the source.

Make sure to use the same citation style for all your sources. This includes books, journal articles, and digital maps. This way, your references will stay clear and consistent.

Following these steps should leave you feeling confident whenever you reference Google Maps. A good citation looks professional. It also helps others find the same resource you used.

Written by

Raphaël Larouche

Founder · SEO Strategy

Raphaël founded Zenith in 2023. He builds the SEO strategies for the agency’s clients and follows every engagement closely, from the first audit to the results.

Meet the team

Ready to show up first on Google?

Tell us about your business and we’ll prepare a free SEO quote.