How does PlaceMaker Licensing work? Does it expire?

PlaceMaker data and 3D models can be accessed in two ways with two types of licenses, Pay-As-You-Go or Subscription:

Pay-As-You-Go (permanent)

This license option allows you to download PlaceMaker for free. If using SketchUp, OpenStreetMap and Microsoft data (buildings, roads, paths, trees, water) can be previewed for free at the location of your choice.  This allows you to check the coverage and quality of the 3D data before purchasing credits or upgrading to a subscription, kind of like a free trial.

You will need to purchase credits to actually import the editable models, aerials, and terrain for a chosen location.  For Pay-As-You-Go licenses, all imports require credits.

Your Pay-As-You-Go license and credits do not expire and will automatically transfer if you upgrade to a subscription in the future!

Pay-As-You-Go licenses can not be shared among multiple users. Each license is linked to a separate email address.  If you want to have shared licenses and a shared pool of credits, you will need to upgrade to a Subscription license.

Subscription (annual)

Subscription licenses expire one year from the date of purchase.  When using a subscription license, credits for imports are significantly discounted and OpenStreetMap imports are free (does not require credits)

By purchasing multiple license quantities, additional users can install and activate a PlaceMaker subscription license under the same account.

After purchasing, more seats may be added to your account (allowing for additional activations) by logging into the PlaceMaker portal and clicking on the 'License Management' tab.

Your credits do not expire and will automatically carry over if you renew your license.

If your license expires, you can keep using it, but it will behave like a Pay-As-You-Go license where each import will cost credits and you will not be eligible for credit discounts.

For more information, please see the EULA.

Activation Limits and License Transfers

If you are an individual, you may activate your Pay-As-You-Go or Subscription license on up to 3 computers.  If you are a company or other entity, you must purchase a separate license for each computer that PlaceMaker will be used on.  However, it is possible to transfer your license from one computer to another as needed.

Subscription Renewals

Please the articles in this section for information about renewals.

Network and Floating Licensing

Network or floating licenses are not available for PlaceMaker.  Each computer must install and activate the PlaceMaker license separately.