Google's Googly Map Mistake

Wide image of Google Maps' (correct) explanation of how to use the subway from Grand Central to Madison Square Garden, with inset of the incorrect Google Maps ad

As a reader pointed out, while Google's Google Maps ads-wrapped subway cars are nifty-looking, an ad inside the car "mislabels Times Square as Grand Central Station." The mistake implies that one can get the 1, 2 or 3 from Grand Central--when everyone knows that the only way to get to the 1, 2, or 3 from Grand Central is to take the S shuttle or the 7 (if the S isn't working) to Times Square first, and then get the 1, 2, or 3 there. At least, that's what experience and Google Maps tells us.

The error was also noticed by AdAge, which did not hear from Google nor CBS Outdoor (the media company) for comment. However, there were some people offering comments freely: Subway riders. One Brooklyn resident told the Daily News, "That's basic New York City information. The red lines run on the West [Side]," while a West Sider said, "It goes through so many hands before they put it up and they still make it complicated. It amazes me." ValleyWag adds, "Doesn't Google have a large New York office full of employees who might have been called on to vet the ads in their 20 percent time?"

UPDATE: Google confirmed that "the error is in fact NOT with the Google Maps transit product, but was an unfortunate error when typing the text of the ad, as 'Grand Central Station' was written instead of 'Times Square'. However, a search with Google Maps for Grand Central Station to Madison Square Garden *will* give tourists the right directions! We're working very quickly to correct it, and hope to remove the incorrect advertisement today."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on November 17, 2008 9:16 AM

Comments [rss]

GOP

VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET VET

jaycjay

"First step -- lose the bloody "M"s -- we call it a subway here, not a metro!"

In fact, for the Paris Metro they use a different 'M' icon, styled to look like that system's actual logo. They also use different icons for several other systems -- London and Berlin being two examples.

Most likely over time the generic M icons will be replaced for more and more systems.

chubbyemu

The subway station is actually called "Grand Central Station" while the train station above is "Grand Central Terminal." Fact.

Jen Chung

@BQE -- you can compare Gothamist to Google ANY DAY.

BQE

Wow, I can't believe that Gothamist (and Jen Chung, of all people) is making fund of someone else's typo.

Pot calling the kettle black, folks.

Brooklynbobby

You all need to get lives!!!

fakenewyorker

while we're at it, it's not grand central station, it's grand central terminal

yg

This is Google Maps Adbeta. The bugs will be worked out before the final release.

cucarachita

Please. People can't read maps anyway. And not because there's anything wrong with the maps! But because people are lazy and would rather hold the map while asking some busy New Yorker to read it for them, instead of learning to read a map and fending for themselves. I'd have pity if they wore badges that said, "I suffer from a medical condition that prevents me from being able to read a map properly."

Being a New Yorker who knows the subway system like the back of my hand after making plenty of mistakes at the beginning, I admit I am filled with glee at such misleading mistakes. Sorry! I can't help it.

You learn from getting lost. My question to all the frantic people asking for directions and not believing me when I tell them (can you believe that? they say, are you sure? maybe I need that train instead, to which I say, go ahead, take that train then!), is "how lost can you get, anyway? it's not like anyone will die on the dark side of the moon as the result of this error...

zodak

i'll go to these guys when i want subway info, they link to 2 different maps.

pigg2121

Yay! My first time commenting, and I get quoted! Thanks, Gothamist. I have never been more famous than I am right now.

r1b2

There are actually folks who read these things on the train? I didn't think people read billboards.

Wza

Great Googly Moogly!

That's what happens you when you get out of town folks handling local stuff.

...and I agree with GOP, ever since the election people keep using the word "vet", supwitdat?