Norway's government is refusing to let Apple take aerial photography of the capital city Oslo to create 3D images for its Maps app, reports local media.

There are security concerns about access to detailed views of government buildings, says newspaper Aftenposten.

Anyone wishing to fly over Oslo to take pictures requires a licence from the authorities, which has been declined according to official documents.

However satellite imagery, as used by other map brands, is not protected.

Nokia has 3D-imagery of Oslo in its maps but only for parts of the city.

Security measures have tightened in Norway since Anders Breivik planted a bomb outside government premises in the capital before carrying out a separate killing spree at a youth camp two years ago.