Last week, Google
announced a new feature in its Android version of Google Maps: indoor mapping.
Just when you thought you could take refuge from Sauron’s all-seeing-eye in the sanctity of a shopping mall, Google can now see where you’re shopping, sipping and shitting. OK, so that’s a reversed engineering, conspiracy theorist’s way to be looking at it—the idea is that you can see where you are in a shipping mall or airport.
The feature has been rolled out for only a
few locations in the US and Japan initially. But you can be assured that the eager beavers at Google won’t rest there.
The best feature/scariest feature of the new tech is that it can tell which floor you’re on. Say what?
I’m usually the first to embrace new technology and features—even before I completely understand it. But this indoor mapping reminds me of being on a first date with someone you’re not sure about… like things are moving a bit too fast.
Is this a precursor to the tellings of Spielberg’s Minority Report, where you just can’t hide anymore? Perhaps I will come to appreciate its worth when I’m desperately searching for a toilet at a behemoth of a shopping centre like Melbourne’s Chadstone?
It seems as if anyone can
upload floorplans to the new service. I hope there’s some kind of proofing process, otherwise, expect some floorplan trolling at a shopping centre near you!