But is it legal?

Yes.

But aren't you using materials owned by Rockstar Games, and isn't the GTA VI mapping project even incorporating the 2022 and 2026 leaks?

Yes, and everything we do with these materials falls under fair use. We publish factual information based on our own research, we provide resources for educational purposes, and we have no commercial interest whatsoever.

The same applies to the GTA VI mapping project. They may derive information from the leaks, but their outputs are always original and transformative. The GTA VI map, for example, was traced by hand, and then substantially enhanced with information the community collected over several years.

What is the source of the elevation data? Is it accurate?

In the case of GTA IV and V, this data is the result of a rather old-school "elevation survey", using Snapmatic metadata. Thankfully, some parts of this process can be automated. For GTA VI, an incomplete and low-resolution height map became available in August 2026. It has been remodeled from the ground up – both manually and with the help of custom software developed for this specific purpose. The data is mostly correct, but shouldn't be treated as 100% accurate. We're also just displaying one sample every 10x10m, intentionally. If you want to see a GTA game in 3D, your best option is still to buy the game.

Can I reuse something I found on your website?

Yes, you're welcome. Public domain, unless otherwise stated.

Aren't you worried that analyzing the GTA VI map before release will deprive you of the excitement when exploring the game world for the first time?

There is a short answer and a long answer. See here. TL;DR: No, not worried.

How large is the GTA VI map?

There are several ways to determine the size of a map.

The most obvious thing to measure is the land area, excluding lakes, rivers and canals. In GTA VI, this is around 82.7 km². Compared to GTA V's 49.7 km², the GTA VI map is about 1.66 times larger.

Alternatively, if we count all terrain above sea level, even if covered by water, we get around 87.2 km². This is 1.70 times more than GTA V's 51.2 km².

Another option is all land and all coastal water within 100 m of the nearest shoreline. This amounts to approximately 113.4 km² in GTA VI, which is about 2.01 times more than GTA V's 56.4 km².

And finally, if we count all modeled terrain, including ocean floor and river beds below sea level, we get an estimate of 187.0 km², or 2.23 times GTA V's 84.0 km².

What is the highest point in Leonida?

We don't know yet. Both Mount Kalaga and the transmission tower in Bluegrass seem to be around 404 m tall.

For comparison: The highest point in GTA V, at the top of Mount Chiliad, is 803 m above sea level.

Is the neighboring state of Gloriana really based on Virginia?

Yes, see here and here.

Did Rockstar really include references to Scotland?

Yes, see here and here.

Is the omission of Key West a big deal?

Long story, see here.

Why did Lake Leondia move north in July 2026?

Long story, see here.

Why did Route 1 make a sharp right turn in July 2026?

Long story, see here.

Why did Key Lento get longer in July 2026?

Long story, see here.

How tall are the container cranes?

Long story, see here.

What were the most important landmarks found before the release of GTA VI?

Our personal top 15 of the most difficult, most surprising and most consequential finds:

  1. 18635 SW 105th Ave, Miami – Kindlyspace, July 24, 2024
  2. 9826 FL-121, Macclenny – JayFa, April 23, 2025
  3. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg – rlx, January 12, 2024
  4. Firth of Forth, Scotland – Bryce, September 12, 2026
  5. Gellhorn International Raceway Long Course – BentPixel, June 23, 2026
  6. Lake Mirror Tower Apartments, Lakeland – RickRick & ChrisTheRealOne, August 22, 2026
  7. Neo Vertika Building, Miami – LongLongTime, June 2, 2024
  8. Springfield Community Church, Panama City – Fido_le_muet, January 14, 2024
  9. Miami Beach Welcome Mural – Saukko_505, February 28, 2024
  10. Twice The Ice, Panama City – LongLongTime, March 1, 2024
  11. 12522 FL-24, Cedar Key – chap, May 20, 2026
  12. 101-111 Martin Lake Dr, Panama City– ChillyPhilly, September 25, 2026
  13. El Governor Motel, Mexico Beach – ADF-11F Raven, September 30, 2025
  14. 51 N Krome Ave, Homestead – JayFa, July 1, 2026
  15. Table Rock Mountain, North Carolina – ian_, September 11, 2025

What is your favorite known location in GTA VI?

Miami Marine Stadium – if R* got it right.