3 ms·

I don't know if it's still the case but last I was in SK, there were no walking directions on Google Maps. My understanding was that Google was prohibited to in

by 3np 5y ago

I don't know if it's still the case but last I was in SK, there were no walking directions on Google Maps. My understanding was that Google was prohibited to incorporate this in order to favor local competitors.

rntksi 5y ago
That is correct. Also Google Maps accuracy in SK (can only speak for Seoul, Busan) is not as good as the South Korean ones. Which is not the case for most other countries. We learned that we had to use Naver map :-)
pcurve 5y ago
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/one-thing-north-korea-has-the-south-doesnt-google-maps-24650 https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/one-thing-north-k... "Following the Korean War, the Spatial Data Industry Promotion Act and the Promotion of Military Bases and Installations Act were put in place to bar the export of map data outside the country. This is presumably to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands, especially given the hostility from north of the DMZ. Inevitably, however, the national security measure also has the effect of limiting foreign companies’ presence in online mapping and navigation. Google stores its maps on foreign servers and therefore has not been allowed access to South Korea’s map data. In 2016, South Korean officials offered to hand their country’s map data over to Google under the condition that the tech company reduce map resolutions for important landmarks like military outposts and government offices. Google turned down the offer. So, streets and buildings remain low-resolution online and on the app. These restrictions apply to Apple Maps as well. Its mapping services are even more rudimentary."
space_rock 5y ago
Funny side effects is the navigation and cruise controls in foreign cars don't work. They will set the wrong speed limits and cruise at the wrong speed. I guess it helps the local businesses tho

by 3np 5y ago

rntksi 5y ago

That is correct. Also Google Maps accuracy in SK (can only speak for Seoul, Busan) is not as good as the South Korean ones. Which is not the case for most other countries. We learned that we had to use Naver map :-)

pcurve 5y ago

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/one-thing-north-korea-has-the-south-doesnt-google-maps-24650 https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/one-thing-north-k... "Following the Korean War, the Spatial Data Industry Promotion Act and the Promotion of Military Bases and Installations Act were put in place to bar the export of map data outside the country. This is presumably to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands, especially given the hostility from north of the DMZ. Inevitably, however, the national security measure also has the effect of limiting foreign companies’ presence in online mapping and navigation. Google stores its maps on foreign servers and therefore has not been allowed access to South Korea’s map data. In 2016, South Korean officials offered to hand their country’s map data over to Google under the condition that the tech company reduce map resolutions for important landmarks like military outposts and government offices. Google turned down the offer. So, streets and buildings remain low-resolution online and on the app. These restrictions apply to Apple Maps as well. Its mapping services are even more rudimentary."

space_rock 5y ago

Funny side effects is the navigation and cruise controls in foreign cars don't work. They will set the wrong speed limits and cruise at the wrong speed. I guess it helps the local businesses tho