Trusting Online Maps
We’ve often heard about rogue sat-navs causing drivers to end up stuck in fields or over cliffs. But there’s a big difference between taking computer guidance seriously and….invading the country next door.
Based upon an error in Google Maps, it’s claimed that Nicaraguan troops have invaded Costa Rica by crossing the San Juan River and setting up camp. The recognized border is the river.
As justification, Nicaraguan commander Eden Pastora, a former Sandinista, pointed to Google Maps, “See the satellite photo on Google, and here you see the frontier. In the last 3,000 meters both sides are Nicaraguan. From there to El Castillo the border itself is the right bank, clearly.”
Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla asked for international intervention since her nation has no army.
Maybe this will become the new excuse for rogue states to invade their neighbours? Sorry mate, you’re not meant to be there; Google says so. When the Germans use this excuse to randomly pitch up in Kent we’ll rue the day that we shared carriers with France.
I had not heard this until now? Is Google now the default arbiter on international borders? Please say it ain’t so!
You’d better hope it’s not used for your upcoming Congressional redistricting!
Google maps is rubbish at updating, according to my satnav (which is based upon it) the large local US Navy stores depot is still there despite having roads and houses built upon it for some years.
Just another way to get lost. Blind optimism is probably the best navigation technique because even if you don’t get there you’ll probably end up somewhere more interesting.