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The Danger of Google Maps

By
Real Estate Technology with AgencyLogic
If you've ever used MapQuest you'll understand just how good Google Maps is. I think the name 'MapQuest' is either (tragically) ironic or a secret joke - following their maps really is like a quest.

The last time I used their service it took me two hours to travel to somewhere an hour away. I saw some beautiful homes, picturesque towns and countless fields which was great but I was late for my appointment. As a result I switched to Google Maps and have never looked back (sorry, couldn't resist that!)

But Google Maps has its own problems, specifically Street View. As you may or may not know Google has vehicles travelling every road photographing a world view from the street, hence the name. But things happen 'down on the street' (just ask Shakatak) and innocent passersby are sometimes caught at inopportune moments. Simply click the image or the location details below to see the original. These are just a few, I have dozens more so let me know if you want to see them. Enjoy :)

Beer Gut Man Location: 56 Bond St W, Oshawa, ON, Canada

Google Street View 1

The Unfriendly Neighbor Location: 115 Tuscany Springs Green NW, Calgary, AB, Canada

Google Street View 2

Truck On Fire Location: 44 Robinglade Dr, Toronto, ON, Canada

Google Street View 3

The Blowup Doll Location: Square de Clignancourt Paris, France

Google Street View 4

New York Success! Location: 218 9th Ave, New York, NY, United States

Google Street View 5

Man With Gun Location: 528 7th St, Rapid City, SD, United States

Google Street View 6

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Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary
LemonTree Realty - Orlando, FL
First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes

OMG these are too funny. I wonder if they are all true and accurate or if someeone at google has a sense of humor and photoshopped these random things in.

Jan 20, 2010 12:40 AM
Morgan Evans
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Wow, who would have thought you could find these types of pictures. If I was a homeowner I would definitely want to see what was going on in front of my house to make sure it wasn't something that would hurt the sale of my property one day.

Jan 20, 2010 12:41 AM
Mike Jaquish
Realty Arts - Cary, NC
919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

Stephen,

These are hysterical.

Well, not so much the "truck on fire."

They do make the point that privacy is more and more endangered, too

Jan 20, 2010 12:47 AM
Robin Rogers
Robin Rogers, Silverbridge Realty, San Antonio, Texas - San Antonio, TX
CRS, TRC, MRP - Real Estate Investment Adviser

Stephen, those photos are a website all their own! I am with you on Mapquest vs. Google Maps. I'll have to start examining the street views more closely!

Cheers,

Robin

Jan 23, 2010 08:17 AM
Robin Rogers
Robin Rogers, Silverbridge Realty, San Antonio, Texas - San Antonio, TX
CRS, TRC, MRP - Real Estate Investment Adviser

I did a 360 in street view, and nobody seems to notice the guy with the gun or the flaming van. Even stranger!

Jan 23, 2010 08:21 AM