There’s no denying I have no sense of direction. And I won’t say it’s because I’m a girl because I know of a few who can still find their way home even with all the one-way streets and no u-turns. I think there’s a gene for it, an orientation gene maybe, which I sadly don't have. I get confused even with the idea that Tagaytay is in the south, but if I’m heading to Antipolo, which they say is in the east, Tagaytay is still in the South but from Antipolo its actually now in the west? right? And I always get a heart attack whenever I religiously follow directions given to me only to find out that the road is actually blocked and they’re detouring all the cars. I know I’ll probably find my way out at some point but it’s really not worth all the time, gas and panic attacks. Which is why I’m so thankful for the genius that is Google Maps. All you have to do is type your destination in the search panel, and they’ll immediately show you how to get there, in either map view, satellite view or earth view, which is a 3D view as if you’re walking down the actual street. This is even a free download from the appstore for iphone users and from the android store for the android users. And although GPS isn't as popular here with all the sidestreets and makeshift roads we make, this is probably the next best thing.
The earth view (Google Earth) is pretty amazing. It's a virtual walking tour of everywhere really. It took Google Maps to new heights by making it more than a search engine for directions, but now a website for virtual travel. Using this view, users can see the actual buildings, lots, streets, shops etc. It’s as if you’ve already been to the place even before you actually get there.
But as in all things, Google Maps also has its fair share of controversy and criticism. Many governments have expressed concern over the availability of high-resolution images of certain sensitive locations as military facilities, etc. Wikipedia enumerates a few of them such as how a user spotted a large topographical replica of the Karakoram Mountain range in India, in a remote region in China. The said mountain range is under the control of China but is being claimed by India. Google Earth was also admittedly used by the lone surviving gunman in the 2008 Mumbai Attacks, to familiarize with the location of the attack. In fact, it can also be used by thieves/robbers to plan their escape route.
Technology has definitely made all things easy and convenient, both for the good and the bad.
Ma. Anna Katrina C. Eustaquio, Entry No. 8
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_earth
Image from: http://ubikcan.wordpress.com/2007/09/28/first-google-earth-cartoon/
No comments:
Post a Comment