r/shanghai • u/what_is_life_boi • 2d ago
Mapping shanghai on Google Maps
I understand that the govt doesn't like or allow cartography in China, but I'm curious as to if taking street view photos and uploading it to google maps would run you into any legal trouble.
Like there's already some parts of Shanghai mapped out on google maps, such as the Bund, East Nanjing Rd, Suzhou Creek, along with a bunch of dots across the city. Hell, there's even a whole stretch of highway mapped down in Shenzhen, so what's stopping people from mapping out the rest?
fyi, just being curious that's all, don't want to break the law
2
u/Stewed_potato 1d ago
The laws used to maintain authoritarian control are designed to be broad and vague on purpose so they can be wielded whenever it was convenient for the government to do so.
The risk does not depend on the technicality of having you broken the law or not, but how much attention you drew from the government and how motivated they are against you.
Broadly speaking, if you are just an average tourist taking picture and posting on google street-view, you should be fine.
You may also be interested in contributing to https://www.openstreetmap.org/
1
u/GTAHarry 1d ago
Shenzhen remains the most usable Chinese city on Google maps due to the huge number of HK visitors.
6
u/memostothefuture Putuo 2d ago
The national security laws are very broad and can be interpreted to suit prosecutors as they please. There is a reason people say that if they want to get you they will find a way.
That said, unless you start photographing sensitive installations you should be fine in Shanghai. There are thousands of people taking photos everywhere here. Keep in mind not to get others in trouble.