Tuesday, February 16. 2010

NZ Woman "Sentenced" for Messing with Competitors Listings on Google Maps

The "sentence" is community service and some counseling. Kendra Drinkwater of the North Island admitted she'd edited listings of six of her florist competitors some 100 times during a month last year. Her goal: to send business to her shop.

- AAP

Posted by Adena Schutzberg in Google, Oops at 07:24 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0) |

Wednesday, February 10. 2010

Artist Fails to do Geo Research

"The project hasn't been without its challenges. Dilworth was disappointed to hear from folks at Google that it could be months or years before satellite images are updated and her rooftops show up in their Earth views."

Artist Molly Dilworth has painted three roof-sized pieces specifically so they can be captured in Google-published imagery. She didn't realize it'd be a while before her art appeared on the Internet.

- NY Daily News

Posted by Adena Schutzberg in Oops, Google Earth at 06:00 | Comments (7) | Trackbacks (0) |

Tuesday, February 2. 2010

iPhone Users: Do you know how to access StreetView?

Matt McGee at Search Engine Land makes clear he doesn't and many surveyed didn't think it's even on that platform. (It is.)

- Search Engine Land

Posted by Adena Schutzberg in Oops, Apple at 06:00 | Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0) |

Monday, February 1. 2010

Parody Book Cover Ires Ordnance Survey

The book is titled The Hills Are Stuffed With Swedish Girls and the cover (seen on the book's website) mimics an Ordnance Survey map. And that's prompted the OS to press the publisher about the cover by asking that sales be stopped and the cover dropped.

Author Richard Happer defended the choice: "We haven't used the same colour of pink or the same font. I think they have had a sense of humour failure."

An OS spokeswoman said: "We have a brand which is more than 200 years old and it is our job to protect the reputation of our brand. People are very passionate about our maps, families use them and we have to look at our core customers and if they would be offended."

- Daily Record

Posted by Adena Schutzberg in Oops at 06:00 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) |

Friday, November 20. 2009

Seen During Geography Awareness Week IV

""The woman requested that the deputies Google Earth her house and keep it on satellite surveillance overnight," [Sgt] Dawes said."

- A Lake Forest (CA) resident called local police to as for a watch on her house after she heard noises, as reported in the OC Register.

Posted by Adena Schutzberg in Oops at 09:30 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0) |

Thursday, November 12. 2009

Simplicity Software has New Meaning for Topo Map

Simplicity Software has added a new feature to its offering for sales automation, CRM and eMarketing for those involved with buildings. It basically adds views of the buildings. The new feature is called "Virtual Topo Maps." From what I understand, the data is not "topo" but is both "virtual" and "map-based." While the press release says several companies are using or preparing to use the new feature, there's are no sample uses. I did find this map app on the Essex website.

...the Virtual Topo Maps display building lots, multi-family units, or senior-living units under development or management. By just mousing over any building lot or unit on the builder-developer/ facility's website, a data box pops up that shows, in real time, all the data the builder, developer, or property manager wants associated with that lot or unit, including availability, pricing, size, premiums, and even what floorplans the lot or unit will accommodate. The data box can be expanded to accommodate whatever data the builder, developer, or property manager wants to display, including sales person contact, and even special pricing offers.

Posted by Adena Schutzberg in Oops at 06:00 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) |