How this artist ‘fooled’ Google Maps ?

Google maps is one the most trusted and used navigation app in the world with more than 1M+ downloads . But is the system foolproof or can be deceived. Let’s check out

First Let’s understand how “G Maps” works

Google maps relies heavily on location data generated on users smartphone for predicting traffic in their area , smartphones in cars provide information to G maps like the speed at which they are moving, and how many smartphones are on that particular street. If the pace of the vehicles is low and number is high, Maps would show that segment of the street as red suggesting that there is a traffic jam. Map’s navigation suggestions would then recommend the users to avoid the crowded streets . So,we conclude that G maps totally depends on the user data to function .

How G maps got “hacked” ??

Simon Weckert, a Berlin-based artist, pulled off the stunt and simply carted 99 smartphones with running G maps, and pulled the cart around the streets of Berlin including the street right outside the Google’s Office. The slow speed of the hand cart and the fact that 99 phones were used caused Google Maps to believe that there were a lot of vehicles on the street and eventually showing the nearly empty street as red with a lot expected traffic. Google’s navigation then suggested their other users to avoid those streets where Simon was walking with his hand cart .

Point to be noted

What about the other speeding vehicles on the street ? G maps did not notice other vehicles ?

Actually , Google maps is developed such that it can differentiate between the size of the vehicles . Larger Vehicles like cars and trucks tend to move at a slow speed and Smaller vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles move faster even in some traffic conditions. So the G maps recognized the 99 smartphone as big vehicles moving on a slow pace and the passing by other vehicles as smaller ones travelling at a faster speed as compared wagon .

Demonstration video of the trick by Simon Weckert:-

Google had this to say in response to the “hack” of using 99 smartphones to cause Maps to register false traffic jams:

“Whether via car or cart or camel, we love seeing creative uses of Google Maps as it helps us make maps work better over time.”

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to making Maps as accurate as possible. Google also pointed out in a tongue-in-cheek fashion that it can distinguish between cars and motorcycles in some regions around the world — but it hasn’t deduced a formula for wagons yet.

References/Sources : http://www.simonweckert.com/

What do you viewers think ? Is their any solution against this hack .Write down your reviews and solution in the comment section below .