Could Google Maps Have Led Kim Astray?
In another unfortunate story, authorities say the awful dissapearance of editor James Kim and his family in Oregon may have been caused by online mapping services, which (including Google Maps) give directions that are dangerous as a preferred route.
Despite its impassable snowdrifts and single-lane, Bear Camp Road is offered as the preferred route on some Web sites and on-board-directions software available on some new cars, most of which have no business in those mountains in the winter. The Forest Service road winds through rugged country from the Grants Pass area to the Oregon coast near Gold Beach. While paved, it’s narrow, twisting and is not plowed in winter.
Yahoo and MapQuest offer Highway 199 and 101 as the preferred route, while Google offers Bear Camp Road. I’ve said this before: Google Maps, for all its good looks, is an immature product that doesn’t have the experience and specificity of MapQuest, and simply does not give good directions when compared with the competition. I hope to god James doesn’t die because of his choice of mapping service.
(via Brier Dudley)
UPDATE: There’s a lot more in the comments, but in answer to the question above, the answer is no. Google Maps, and no online maps, were involved in this tragedy. If you have been following the coverage deeply, you’ll see that several things combined to result in what happened.
That said, James Kim’s body was found after I wrote this. I felt very saddened when I heard that news. Although I had never heard his name before, in the days as the internet, then the national media, followed his family’s story, I developed an incredible respect for him and his wife. His resourcefulness saved the lives of his wife and two children, and it was only his bravery and initiative to find help that cost him his life. He was a true hero.
Looks like he died
http://cbs5.com/slideshows/local_slideshow_339180507
Comment by John | December 6, 2006
It may be a tad harsh to start passing blame (even somewhat lightly) of James Kim’s death to Google Maps or any other web mapping program.
Even if the map would have been perfect, I believe the story I read earlier said they missed their original turn and ended up on that road which they were warned not to take. I often miss roads that the map says I should take. In a big city you just turn around, but sometimes you don’t have the luxury.
All that aside, I think it’s a little too soon to start passing blame. It was a series of very unfortunate circumstances and anyone who knew or watched Kim regularly will surely miss him.
Comment by Adam | December 6, 2006
This is a great point. Google often (well almost all the time) misses the major roads in favor of small roads. It happens all the time. And I have been using Google Maps since day one. I have been patiently waiting for them to recognize this flaw. Every since I moved to Athens, GA, it has became painfully obvious how wrong the mapping algo is. Anyways, after for the last time lead astray in the dark in the rural country, I have decided to get a GPS navigator for the car and to use Yahoo! maps. Y does the job but doesn’t look as cool. G team needs to get someone who lives in a medium size town, not SF or NY, and see how bad their algo performs
Sincerly,
Losing my faith in Google Maps.
PS: My condolences go to the Kim family. I been following this event for a week and it is heart breaking. He did all he coud and may he rest in peace with God’s blessings.
Comment by JZ | December 7, 2006
So this is why it’s called Google Maps and not Google Directions?
Of course, I hope this situation comes to an end soon. Not knowing what happened must be the worst part for the family et al.
Comment by Tim | December 7, 2006
Nathan, I followed the link in your post and there was an update. I’ll quote it here:
”
Update: The latest wire story clarifies that the couple used a plain old paper map. The accuracy of online maps is a still an interesting topic, but accuracy and completeness of information is not an issue unique to online services. Another question coming up is whether the map the Kims used had a warning about winter conditions. From the latest AP story at 10:23 a.m. Wednesday:
“Kati Kim told officers they were traveling south from Portland on Interstate 5 and missed the turnoff to a state highway, Oregon 42, that leads through the Coast Range to Gold Beach, where they planned to stay at a resort.
Officers said the couple used a map to choose the road they were on. “They got the map out _ a regular highway map _ that showed the route,” Anderson said.
However, it wasn’t clear whose map the couple used. The 2005-2007 state highway map distributed by the Oregon Department of Transportation has a warning in red print, inside a red box: “This route closed in winter.” A Rand-McNally map did not have a similar warning.”
”
So Google Maps had nothing to do with this tragedy.
Comment by Matt Cutts | December 7, 2006
SearchCap: The Day In Search, Dec. 8, 2006
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web:…
Trackback by Search Engine Land: News About Search Engines & Search Marketing | December 8, 2006
I’ve issued an update.
Google should be glad that it isn’t to blame here, but it is to blame for its bad directions. I’ve heard many a time that Google’s directions point people on ridiculous service roads or right into heavy traffic, while more the more experienced MapQuest and Yahoo Maps understand that directions are more than just the shortest line between two points. Worst off, while the Kim’s had to make a mistake to get themselves in danger, Google Maps would have led them right into it! Google Maps may have made a splash with some great AJAX, but it won’t last in the market without a commitment to quality.
Comment by Nathan Weinberg | December 8, 2006