opinios: Aussies Tell Google One Big Brother Is Enough

August 09, 2005

Aussies Tell Google One Big Brother Is Enough

When I was able to zoom in to pinpoint the house I live in using Google Maps a few weeks back, I didn't feel threatened, I felt excited. I linked to the image and sent it to my wife, with a comment to the effect of "look, our block is the same size as next doors!"

But this article hints that this may all change. Now if you try to zoom in on the city of Melbourne, you can't see any satellite imagery at all. Nuttin'.

Does this mean the end of useful maps for Australians? A pessimistic future for the development of useful Aussie apps that harness this API, ala Housing Maps? The end to being able to flip back and forth between satellite imagery and associated maps like in the UK or the US? What do you think: should we keep photos of ourselves free from public consumption, or would they make our lives easier?

Posted by mattymcg at August 9, 2005 12:00 AM

Comments

Matt, I love the fact that there is such detail in Australia but some other places of interest are decidedly lacking.

I'd like to think that Earthlings can use this sort of info to benefit mankind and not use it for destructive purposes. There will always be a few bad eggs though.

Posted by: Hammy at August 16, 2005 11:00 PM

Update: Ok, so maybe the conspiracy theory I was espousing was more just a case of Google having technical problems, as the satellite images of Melbourne are back up.

You're right Hammy, I think the possibilities for this technology are endless.

Posted by: mattymcg at August 18, 2005 07:47 AM

The City of Ballarat website has an aerial photobase which is searchable by address (eg: 108 Drummond) and one may see the junk in the neighbour's backyard.
On Google satellite I strated with Ayers Rock and found out it is triangular from above. what a thrill.

Posted by: Brownie at August 18, 2005 11:18 AM