“In his new book, On The Map, Simon Garfield explains that, just as the empires of the past understood that marking territory was crucial, so Google and its rivals now wield influence. They are even implicated in border disputes. Garfield describes how in 2010 the Nicaraguans cited Google Maps in support of their action when they invaded Costa Rica. Brian McClendon, who developed the mapping technology bought up by Google in 2004, told Garfield that the Nicaraguans argued that they were justified in moving onto the extra territory accidentally assigned to them. And Garfield believes the commercial and political significance of reliable maps can only grow. ‘Not only will it become the decisive element in the smartphones and apps we buy, it is also the way that shops will find out when we are nearby,’ he said… ‘The amount of interest in maps and globes at the moment has probably got something to do with the fact that we are all able to find ourselves on maps now at the touch of a screen,’ said Garfield. Throughout history, he points out, the center of a map of the world has been the place to be, and today individuals find themselves at the center courtesy of their smartphones.” w/ photo
