Google Maps is a great tool for getting directions from one location to another, for creating an overall view of an area, and for visualizing the world through an on-ground perspective like ‘Street View’. However, Google’s data is private and proprietary, can change frequently, and is updated only at the discretion of Google. No background information about the data source (metadata) is provided publicly. It is unknown whether the photos are ortho-corrected (positionally accurate); and much of their photography is flown during the summer when trees are covered with leaves. LINK-GIS prefers “leaf-off” photography because it allows a clearer view of ground conditions, which is extremely important in land planning decisions. Finally, the data in Google is often copyrighted, raising legal issues and possible restrictions on its use.