Want to cross the road? Don't ask Google Maps

30-second walk becomes 10.4km epic road trip

By Lester Haines, 8th February 2007

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Here's the scenario: you're in Oz's fine city of Sydney and you need to get from the Shelbourne Hotel at 200 Sussex Street to Google's headquarters across the road at 201 Sussex Street. Naturally, this being a potentially complex manoeuvre, it's probably best to consult Google Maps Australia to get the optimum route.

However, if you thought that the best way to cross a street is proceed in a straight line from one pavement to the other, think again:

Blimey. Click on the pic above for a bigger version of the full, 10.4km road-crossing route which involves crossing the Harbour Bridge twice and copping a $3 toll for your trouble.

Google estimates its journey time at 18 minutes, while the The Sydney Morning Herald reckons the ambulatory straight-line alternative as a "30-step, 30-second trip".

We should note at this point that Google Maps Australia has only been up and running since Tuesday, so we're inclined to cut it some slack on this one. Until, that is, it recommends that the best way from Sydney to Perth is via Tasmania - a suggestion which would, of course, require the use of the legendary Oz flying car. ®

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Posted Friday 9th February 2007 17:43 GMT

Justin

Google Maps UK wrong in Hertfordshire

Google Maps is usually pretty good at handling roundabouts and one way systems. Using details for two businesses that are almost next door to each other in Stevenage, it should tell you just to drive up Cavendish Road for 500 yards:

"SG1 2EH to SG1 2EQ"

Instead it takes you to a point halfway between two junctions of the A1M. Now I know the traffic is slow at that point, but it's not THAT slow!

Posted Friday 9th February 2007 01:19 GMT

Anonymous Coward

Google Maps got it wrong in Madrid

I just got back from Madrid. I asked Google Maps to give me directions to Via de Los Poblados from my hotel near Calle Arturo Soria

It gave me a 16km route to the south of the city. Very detailed. Very impressive. But I thought this a bit strange... my hotel was supposed to be close to Via de Los Poblados

Turns out there are TWO Via de Los Poblados in Madrid ...

Posted Friday 9th February 2007 00:41 GMT

Rob Hayden

The map glitch only affects the building at 201 Sussex

Hi,

I just wanted to give you some further details on the google maps error. The glitch only affects 201 Sussex Street, Sydney. That is, if you are looking to get to number 203 (next door), the directions given are correct.

The glitch is caused by the street mapping incorrectly identifying the entrance to the building at 201 Sussex St as being on the freeway that runs behind Sussex street. The only way to get onto that freeway, is to cross the Harbour Bridge from the North Shore.

Cheers

Rob Hayden, Sydney, AU