The easiest way to ensure that addressing data are available to users is to provide data through channels that they are already using. It is much easier to attract users to use addresses through e.g. Google Maps that they anyway have in their pockets than by asking them to download another and in many cases inferior application that is isolated to Oman.

To this end, it is necessary to find a way to bring our data into the data infrastructures of the major international/global data providers.

To get a government data provider agreement for Google Maps addresses, you must be a customer of Google Maps Platform and review the official Google Maps Platform Terms of Service. You cannot get a direct “government data provider agreement” for a specific list of addresses. Instead, you use the Google Maps APIs, which allow you to access geographic data, and Google has terms and conditions for that use.

Establishing a data sharing agreement with major data providers such as Google for their Google Maps services involves several steps. It's important to ensure that the agreement aligns with the legal, technical, and business requirements, and that it enhances the Ministry's ability to effectively plan urban development whilst adhering to privacy and data protection laws.

Contact Google: Initiate contact through Google’s business partnerships or government services department. You can leverage contacts or use online forms available on their Google Maps Business or Google Cloud websites.
Communicate Intent: Clearly outline your ministry's intent and how you plan to use Google Maps data. Ensure you demonstrate how this partnership provides mutual benefits.

Define Your Needs: Identify specific data requirements, such as mapping data, geospatial analytics, or location-based services.
Usage Purposes: Be explicit about how this data will be utilized, ensuring it aligns with public interest and urban planning objectives.

Data Protection Compliance: Ensure compliance with Oman’s data protection laws, as well as international regulations if applicable.
Confidentiality and IP Rights: Negotiate terms related to confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and restrictions on data sharing outside the intended scope.

Structure the Agreement: Include data access rights, security protocols, usage limitations, and duration of the agreement. You might want to incorporate clauses on data accuracy, indemnification, and termination.
Consult Legal Experts: Engage legal professionals specializing in IT and data sharing agreements to draft and review the terms.

Engage in discussions with Google to address any concerns or adjustments needed in the agreement draft. This is crucial for aligning expectations and mitigating any potential legal or operational risks.

After revisions, finalize the agreement for signature. Ensure that the appropriate signatories from both the Ministry and Google are involved.

Establish technical protocols for data access and integration into the Ministry’s systems.
Designate points of contact for ongoing communication and troubleshooting.

Set up periodic reviews to assess the effectiveness of the agreement and ensure compliance with all terms.

Useful Links and References:

• Google Maps Platform – Terms of Service: Google Maps Platform Terms
• Google Cloud’s Government Solutions: Google Cloud for Government
• International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Guide on Data Sharing: IAPP Data Sharing Guide

By following these steps, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning can establish a robust and mutually beneficial data sharing agreement with Google for Google Maps services. Always ensure ongoing compliance to adapt to any policy changes or updates in data usage standards.