Online mapping software such as Google Earth has reportedly posed security threats in many countries because of its highly detailed maps, satellite images and other online information. The United Kingdom forced Google to remove some images from its Street View service because they breached the UK's Official Secrets Act, the Independent reported in March 2009.

Du Wenlong, an expert with the Academy of Military Sciences of the People's Liberation Army, told Beijing Sci-Tech Report earlier this month that the key to success with current missile technology is to obtain the coordinates of your target and such online mapping services offer an easy way to do that.

According to the latest statistics from the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping, as of March, it had found more than 14,000 websites in China that were offering mapping services.

Li Jingwei, general manager of Star Geomatics Park Investment Co Ltd, said some people have no awareness of the importance of geographic information and mark confidential locations online.

The bureau began supervising online mapping services in May 2009 and called on companies offering such products to apply for a license before March 31 if they want to continue their business in China.

So far, about 105 domestic and overseas companies have received licenses and another 100 are in the process of applying.

The State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping hasn't received an application from Google, which offers extensive mapping services, according to an official who insisted on anonymity.

The bureau said it will take action after July 1 against any unlicensed mapping service providers.