14 DAY TRIAL // Google is expanding its Ground Truth program to parts of Russia and Hong Kong. While the name seems to suggest something out of a spy movie, Ground Truth is actually a new way of using various disparate data sources to create a unified map.
The company uses a lot of data to create Google Maps, some from government agencies, some from its own field scanning, some from satellite imagery, and some from users reporting errors or changes.
These sources rarely show the same picture, which is why Google employs powerful algorithms as well as a lot of people to put it all together into an accurate and comprehensive map.
The end result is a map that is better than the sum of its parts. With the program, Google has been able to revamp the map data for several areas in Russia and Hong Kong.
"Ground Truth enables us to update a country’s map at a faster pace to provide you with an up-to-date map that mirrors the real world as closely as possible. Ground Truth also makes it possible for you to contribute your local knowledge to the map and report any issues you find," the company explained.
"The updated maps in Russia and Hong Kong now provide detailed walking paths in many well-known parks and landmarks, making navigating easier especially in pedestrian-friendly Hong Kong," it added.
In Russia, maps for 50 or so towns have been updated with better names, more data such as restrictions or one-way streets, and so on. Points of interest such as hospitals, parks, or universities are also better represented in the new maps.
Google boasts that the road network map in Russia has seen significant improvements. But water routes have been expanded as well, particularly in Hong Kong, which relies heavily on them.