Not that it had been categorically denied because its maps had long been inefficient and useless, but Apple's request to 3D map the capitol of Norway's Oslo has been flatly denied by the federal government.

The government explained it denied Apple permission to photograph the capitol because of security concerns.

"We do not want it to be shot with such a high degree of precision that it could be used to identify areas that require special shielding," Øyvind Mandt of the National Security Authority told the Aftenposten newspaper.

"Photographs with this level of detail would provide information about safety measures that it is not desirable becomes available."

Apple maps versus Google maps

Being referenced was the 2011 bombing of a government building by Christian crusader Anders Breivik, who also went to massacre 69 victims at a kids' summer camp. The event sparked a global security reexamination at government and military facilities all around the world.

It was later on agreed to place stricter controls for high resolution aerial photography over government and military facilities.

Norway isn't alone in its security crusade. Even the U.S. also doesn't allow flyover photography of its security-sensitive areas, including the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, and the Pentagon. Processed satellite imagery availed from mapping services obscure these areas.