Google Maps show non-existent town

A non-existent town called Argleton has been steadily creating a buzz and confusion among people – or at least those who use Google Maps.

Apparently, the service displays the village in the north of England, which in reality and in other maps, is not actually there.

Google has been receiving reports about this “error” for months but the little town hasn’t disappeared from Google Maps. How come?

Another confusing fact: Tele Atlas, who says it gives accurate information, provides the imaging and name data for Google Maps, and Google says it didn’t change anything.

Some people believe it could be a measure to prevent copyright violation. Prof. Danny Dorling, the president of the Society of Cartographers said that perhaps it could be an additional element to a map to hid secret locations.

“I grew up in the area and spotted on the map one day that it said ‘Argleton’,” he says. “But it’s just a farmer’s field close to the village hall and playing fields. I think a footpath goes across the field, but that’s all. The name ‘Argleton’ is similar to ‘Aughton’. Maybe someone made a mistake when keying in the name?” Mike Nolan, head of web services at Edge Hill University, wrote.

Whatever it is though, I hope Google provides an answer soon. 😉

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/igeneration/?p=3235