Yes, in most cases you can sell maps made from open map data, as wood, acrylic, prints or gifts. But "the map is online" does not mean "the map is free to sell". What decides it is where the data comes from and what its licence asks for in return, usually a short attribution line. This guide explains the licences behind the most common map sources in plain words. It is not legal advice; for a large business, ask a lawyer.
Quick answer
- OpenStreetMap data: can be used commercially under the ODbL. A laser-cut or printed map is usually a "Produced Work": you may sell it under any terms you like, with the attribution "© OpenStreetMap contributors".
- Mapbox-based maps: physical products are allowed with attribution "© Mapbox, © OpenStreetMap" on the back, bottom, side or a label, plus links on your product page.
- Google Maps: do not use screenshots or traced Google maps on products for sale; Google's brand guidelines list consumer goods such as posters, mugs and t-shirts among the things not to do.
- Maperivo files: commercial use is included on every plan, including Free; add the data attribution to your product.
The three questions that decide it
- Where does the map data come from? OpenStreetMap, a commercial provider, a government survey, or a screenshot.
- What does that licence ask for? Usually attribution; sometimes share-alike for the data itself; sometimes a ban on physical products.
- What else is on the product? Logos, team crests and brand names have their own owners, independent of the map.
Common map sources and what they allow
| Source | Selling physical products | What you must do |
|---|---|---|
| OpenStreetMap (ODbL) | Yes; a map image or cut file is usually a Produced Work | Attribution: "© OpenStreetMap contributors" |
| Mapbox (maps built on its data or styles) | Yes, per its attribution guide for prints and products | "© Mapbox, © OpenStreetMap" on the product or label; links on the product page |
| Government lake and terrain surveys | Usually yes; check each dataset | Name the agency; many say "not for navigation" |
| Google Maps screenshots or tracings | No for consumer goods | Use open data instead |
Summary as of 26 October 2026; licences change, so check the source pages below before a large launch.
OpenStreetMap: the Produced Work rule
OpenStreetMap data is published under the Open Database Licence (ODbL). The licence treats the database and things made from it differently. The OpenStreetMap Foundation's Produced Work guideline lists PNG, JPG, PDF and SVG images and maps in a physically printed work as usually Produced Works, and that you can release such a map under any licence you like. What you must keep is the attribution: "© OpenStreetMap contributors". Share-alike applies to the data, not to your map: only if you built the map from your own modified copy of the database does the ODbL ask you to offer those data changes too.
Mapbox: attribution on the product
Many map tools, Maperivo included, read OpenStreetMap data through Mapbox. Mapbox's attribution guide covers print and products: for artwork, housewares and other products, the attribution may go on the side, back or bottom of the product, or on a label or tag; when you sell online, put the attribution with live links on the product page. A one-line text such as "Map data © Mapbox, © OpenStreetMap" is enough.
Engrave the attribution in small letters on the back of the base, next to the personal message, or print it on the gift card. On Etsy or your shop, add the same line with links to the product description.
Google Maps: keep it off products
Google's geo guidelines allow Google Maps in many digital uses with attribution, but list physical consumer goods (posters, mugs, t-shirts) among the uses not allowed, and Street View imagery cannot be used for print. Tracing a Google map by hand does not change where the shapes came from. Use open data instead.
Other things to check on a map product
- Logos and crests: a stadium on the map is fine; the club's logo next to it is someone else's trademark.
- Customer text: names and dates are the customer's; keep them only as long as you need them for the order.
- Attribution for depth maps: lake surveys come with their own attribution line, for example "Lake bathymetry: Minnesota DNR, not for navigation".
What Maperivo includes
Commercial use of the files you generate is included on every Maperivo plan, Free included, subject to our terms and the map-data attribution above. There is no commission on your sales. See pricing, and for the business side how to sell laser-cut maps online and where to sell laser products: platform fees.
Sources
Checked 26 October 2026. Every page below was opened and read. This summary is not legal advice.