Chinese law places quite stringent restrictions on the production and distribution of maps in the PRC.
Surveying and Mapping is defined as, “activities conducted to determine, collect and formulate the key elements of physical geography or the shapes, sizes, space positions, attributes, etc. of man-made surface installations, as well as to process and provide the data, information and results gained therefrom” . And such restrictions apply to any land, air, or water controlled by the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan).
If foreign companies wish to engage in Surveying and Mapping, they must:
(1) be a Sino-foreign joint venture – with no more than 49% foreign investment;
(2) obtain a qualification certificate from the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping; and
(3) only engage in the following permitted activities:
Photogrammetry and remote sensing;
Engineering surveying;
Cadastral surveying and mapping;
Estate surveying and mapping;
Geographic information system engineering; and
Internet map services.
(4) refrain from these Prohibited activities:
Geodesic surveying;
Aerial photography for surveying and mapping;
Administrative boundary surveying and mapping;
Marine surveying and mapping;
Compilation of topographic maps or general maps; and
Compilation of electronic maps for navigation (such as for GPS systems in cars).
***Only maps that have been reviewed approved by the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping may then be distributed or otherwise be displayed publicly in the PRC.
***publication of other types of maps such as those on the internet may also be subject to other permit requirements.
[this is not legal advice]
http://en.sbsm.gov.cn/article//LawsandRules/Laws/200710/20071000003241.shtml
http://en.sbsm.gov.cn/
Interim Measures for the Administration of the Surveying and Mapping Conducted by Foreign Organizations or Individuals in China (2007).
