From Googleblog · · 2m
How Google determines the names for bodies of water in Google Earth
Google Earth uses a local use rule to name bodies of water, sparking debate over the Persian Gulf's name.
In brief
Google Earth uses a local use rule to name bodies of water, sparking debate over the Persian Gulf's name. Google Earth changed the Persian Gulf to Arabian Gulf based on local usage, causing controversy among Iranians and international organizations. Originally reported by Googleblog.
Google Earth naming policy
Google Earth uses a local use rule to name bodies of water based on bordering countries' usage.
“If all bordering countries agree on the name, then the common single name is displayed (e.g. "Caribbean Sea" in English, "Mar Caribe" in Spanish, etc.)”
Persian Gulf naming change
Google Earth recently changed the Persian Gulf to Arabian Gulf on maps after a local use rule application.
“The name arabian gulf that you've recently added to your maps”
Iranian criticism
Iranians argue the name change is politically motivated and ignores historical usage of the term persian gulf.
“Currently we iranian people are weak and isolated and have little role in world policy”
Historical context
The term persian gulf has been used for over 500 years by iranians and is recognized by the united nations.
“The united nations recognizes this body of water as persian gulf”
Google's response
Google claims the name change follows a local use rule but faces criticism for not consulting iranian authorities.
“Your decision to post an indirect response on this obscure blog instead of directly engaging and explaining your decision”
International reactions
National Geographic and other organizations have used the term persian gulf for decades without controversy.
“National geographic society uses the name persian gulf to refer to this body of water”
Historical dispute
The term arabian gulf was coined by arab tribes in the 1960s to describe the gulf they would cross to reach persians.
“The name arabian gulf was first coined (local use) by the arabic tribes to describe the gulf they would have to cross to get to the persians”
Political implications
The name change has sparked petitions and diplomatic concerns about google's role in international naming conventions.
“Half a million signatures against the wrongdoing of google earth”
Google's justification
Google claims the name change follows a local use rule but faces criticism for not providing evidence of usage metrics.
“How often do you update your "local use" standard - or once decided, is the usage then fixed for eternity?”
Iranian perspective
Iranians view the name change as a political move that undermines their historical and cultural identity.
“It's pretty obvious that the arabic gulf needs to be changed to persian gulf”
International standards
The united nations and international organizations consistently use the term persian gulf for this body of water.
“The united nations calls it persian gulf”
Google's policy
Google's policy states that if all bordering countries agree on a name, it is displayed as a single name.
“If all bordering countries agree on the name, then the common single name is displayed (e.g. "caribbean sea" in english, "mar caribe" in spanish, etc.)”
Historical accuracy
The term persian gulf has been used for over 500 years by iranians and is recognized by historical documents.
“The term persian gulf has been known to everyone since 500 b.c.”
Current debate
The debate over the name has led to petitions, diplomatic discussions, and criticism of google's policy.
“This is uneducated. The explanation is not satisfactory”
Google's response
Google has not directly engaged with iranian authorities or provided evidence for the name change.
“The most unbelievable thing is that google has not even deigned to respond to niac's request for a sit-down”
Resolution
The name dispute remains unresolved with google's policy causing ongoing controversy.
“The name dispute has been ongoing for over a decade”
The short version
Google Earth changed the Persian Gulf to Arabian Gulf based on local usage, causing controversy among Iranians and international organizations.
