Policies Partner-facing policies
API Use Policy
Who can use Map.ca's APIs, how, and what limits and data-handling obligations apply to integrators.
- Version
- 0.1.0
- Effective
- May 20, 2026
- Last reviewed
- May 20, 2026
- Review cycle
- every 12 months
- Master Policy Index entry
- §4 #68
Policy text
The API Use Policy defines the relationship between Map.ca and the developers who build on it. APIs are powerful: they extend Map.ca’s reach, but they also extend the harm surface if used carelessly. The policy defines registration, authentication, rate limits, allowed data classes, attribution requirements, prohibited derivations (surveillance products, re-identification, bulk scraping by another name), and the review process for sensitive data classes.
It applies to every developer, integrator, and partner with API credentials. Misuse triggers credential revocation under the Scraping and Automated Access Policy.
Principles this policy enforces
- Collect less, protect more
- Public data and personal data are not the same thing
- Community benefit must survive scale
What it requires
- Register every application and identify its operator.
- Honour documented rate limits.
- Respect the data-handling tier assigned to each API surface.
- Provide attribution where the public-attribution requirement applies.
What it forbids
- Do not use the API to bulk-scrape Map.ca content.
- Do not derive surveillance, behavioural, or re-identification products from Map.ca data.
- Do not relicense Map.ca data outside the Data Licensing Policy.
- Do not bypass rate limits with rotated credentials.
How it applies
- API consumers
- Developers
- Partner integrators
- Researchers using Map.ca data
References
- Map.ca Policy Constitution §2 principle 6 — Collect less, protect more
- Map.ca Policy Constitution §2 principle 8
Related policies
Developer Terms
The relationship between Map.ca and developers who integrate with the platform via APIs, SDKs, or partner tooling.
Scraping and Automated Access Policy
What automated access to Map.ca is authorized, what is not, and how unauthorized scraping is detected and stopped.
Data Licensing Policy
How Map.ca data is licensed to partners, researchers, and the public — and what is never licensed at any price.
Security Policy
How Map.ca protects accounts, infrastructure, secrets, and operational data day to day.