Just outside of the Pakistani city of Rawlpindi, there is a park that is shaped like the Android mascot peeing on the Apple logo. Or at least that's what Google Maps showed until it was removed.
Of course, there wasn't really a park shaped like that, but someone using Google's Map Maker was able to add the image to Google Maps. Google has since removed the image.
"The vast majority of users who edit our maps provide great contributions, such as mapping places that have never been mapped before," said Caroline Matthews, a spokesperson for Google. "We're sorry for this inappropriate user-created content; we're working to remove it quickly. We also learn from these issues, and we're constantly improving how we detect, prevent and handle bad edits."
Google is known for including Easter eggs, or hidden games, animations or other things into its products. For example, in Android Lollipop users can head to the settings menu, go to the "about" section, and then repeatedly tap the line that says the Android version. After that, a lollipop will appear. Hold down on the lollipop and a game will start that resembles Flappy Bird but with the Android robot and lollipops for the obstacles.
Of course, the image in Maps is not an Easter egg added by Google. This is not the first time that someone not employed by Google has added something to Maps. Only a few weeks ago, Google Maps showed that Edward Snowden was in the White House. It also showed that there was a snowboard shop in the White House called "Edward's Snow Den," with accompanying reviews saying that it was a "great source of classified information."
Of course, Edward's Snow Den was soon removed. Whoever created the image of the Android robot peeing on the Apple logo has added other things too. Only a few miles away from the robot can be found an image that says "Google review policy is crap," along with a sad face.
Google Map Maker is very harshly moderated, however, with so many additions to Maps, it makes sense that some things would fall through the net. While Google Maps is a great tool, it seems as though the company needs to tighten its grip a little on what is allowed to end up on Maps.
Google has used Maps for Easter eggs in the past. For example, only a few weeks ago, users were able to play Pac-Man using streets in Maps as the gaming area. This game was launched for April Fool's Day this year.
Google has issued an apology for the map spam.
"We're sorry for this inappropriate user-created content; we're working to remove it quickly," a Google representative said. The company also said it will work to boost Google Maps' spam-detection capabilities.
