# 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. - Title: How Google determines the names for bodies of water in Google… - Summary: 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… - Keywords: google earth, persian gulf, arabian gulf, google policy, name dispute, international boundaries, technology, startups, Google, determines, names, bodies - Source: Googleblog — https://publicpolicy.googleblog.com/2008/04/how-google-determines-names-for-bodies.html - Read time: 2 min - Topics: google earth, persian gulf, arabian gulf, google policy, name dispute, international boundaries, technology, startups ## 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 ## Key takeaway Google Earth changed the Persian Gulf to Arabian Gulf based on local usage, causing controversy among Iranians and international organizations.