Google and Disappearing Locations in Satellite Imagery
June 29, 2014
I am okay with information disappearing. Whether it is a pointer or the actual content, information is fluid. When doing routine updates of my information about enterprise search vendors, I come across file not found errors or documents that are different from the ones I previously accessed. Some content has vaporized, the target page displaying a blank white screen. A recent example of this is information about the Aerotext entity extraction system now owned by an outfit called Rocket.
I read with some interest “Erasing Your Home from Google Maps Is Way Easier Than You Think.” As satellite imagery for public access creeps toward higher resolution, certain locations require blurring. The article explains how you can “blur” your property in a Google Maps’ image. I learned:
The process is relatively simple. First go to Google Maps and enter your home address (or the address of whatever you want blurred). Enter ?street view” mode by dragging the little man on the right side of the screen to the spot you want blurred. Once there, hit the ?Report a problem” button on the lower-right corner of the screen. It will pull up a page where you can specify whatever image you want to have blurred.
The write up explains how a criminal can use online imagery. The list is incomplete, but it may create more awareness of the consequences of not knowing what one does not know.
How is this relevant to search? Well, if it is incorrect, altered, or not there, it is tough to make certain types of informed decisions. Ignorance can be bliss as long as those who are ignorant are not making certain types of decisions that require precise, current, and accurate information.
Stephen E Arnold, June 29, 2014
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