Recently, a car fell off a half-built bridge in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Three people in the car died in this accident. According to the police, the car was following the location of the Google map and the map showed the location of the under-construction bridge.
Before the driver knew anything, the car fell off the bridge straight into the Ramganga river. The accident took place between 5 and 6 in the morning. At that time there was thick fog around. Because of this, the people sitting in the car did not know that the bridge was split in half.
The use of Google Maps is very common in today's age. Most people keep Google Maps on in their car or mobile for accurate location as soon as they leave home. After this accident, questions are being raised that can Google map show the wrong way? Is it worth blindly trusting Google Maps?
So today In work news We will talk about Google Maps. You will also learn that-
- How does Google Maps work?
- Can Google Maps make mistakes too?
- What should be kept in mind while using Google Maps?
Expert: Ishan Sinha, Cyber Expert, New Delhi
Q- What is Google Map? Answer- Google Map is a very popular web mapping service developed by Google. This shows the map with the help of satellite. Through which you can see the distance from your location to any place like road, hotel, petrol pump, hospital. For this you need to have a mobile, tablet or laptop.
Q- Can Google Maps show the wrong way? Answer- Cyber expert Ishan Sinha says that usually Google Maps does not show the wrong way. However, in some circumstances, incorrect route information may be displayed. Understand this from the graphic below-
Q- Is Google Maps worth trusting completely?
Answer- Absolutely not, it is not worth trusting Google Maps completely. Sometimes for some reasons the map may show the wrong way. such as-
- If a new road is created, which is not updated on Google Maps, it may give wrong information.
- Road closure due to heavy rain, storm or hurricane. Even in such a situation Google map can give wrong information.
- Google Maps works through GPS signals. Even if there is no network in a place, it can give wrong information.
Q- What are the things to keep in mind while using Google Maps?
Answer- Google Map is completely based on online web technology. Like other countries of the world, many people in India also travel with the help of Google Maps. A big reason for this is that it is a free app. Through this any route or location can be known in one click.
Apart from this Google map saves our time by showing us short cut routes. However, sometimes it can also make mistakes, due to which users may have to suffer the consequences. So there are some things to keep in mind while using it.
Check it out in the graphic below-
Question- How can Google Map know if there is a traffic jam on the road or not?
Answer- When we search any location in our mobile, Google map also tells the traffic situation of that location. But have you ever wondered how Google knows if there is a traffic jam or not? Has Google installed cameras everywhere?
It is not so. Google Maps does this with our help. Actually, when we search for a location, Google Maps detects how many mobile phones are active on that route. Also what is the speed of progress of those mobile phone users.
Based on this data, Google tells whether there is a traffic jam on a road or not.
Q- How does Google Map tell the estimated time of arrival on a route?
Answer- When we search about any location on Google map, the map analyzes many things. It also includes all routes to that location and the time of active mobile phone users passing through that route. Based on this analysis, the map tells the estimated time of arrival at the destination.
Q- Is there any threat to our privacy due to google map tracking?
Answer- Cyber expert Ishan Sinha says that Google Map tracking can be a threat to our privacy. In fact, Google Maps tracks our location and activities. However, Google claims that it takes full care of the privacy of its users. It does not share users location with anyone. However, turn on Google Map Location only when you need it.
Technology is a boon to us, but relying too much on it can also be dangerous. Google Maps is a good web mapping service. However, Google's estimates are not necessarily always accurate. Sometimes the path shown by them may prove to be wrong. There could be many technical reasons for this. So, while going on any new route, be alert and cautious.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
