Google Earth used for more than its original intention?

Google Earth used to fine people with pools .... that didn't have a permit.

http://techcrunch.com/2010/08/02/google-earth-used-to-fine-people-with-pools-again/

 

I'm going to market my "Quickee Pool camouflage kit" . . . it sets up in minutes, and looks like a vacant lot from space! :-D

Of course someone found a way to use this neat technology to squeeze tax dollars out of some poor schmuck. Depends on your point of view, I guess . . . Google just provides the service . . . how it is used is up to the individual.

Imagine what Vespucci or Columbus would have thought of this technology. On second thought, don't imagine . . . it takes away from the beautiful lines from John Masefields "Sea-Fever" :

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,

 

Google is in the public domain and, unfortunately, can now be used by the gov't to levy more and more fines.

This is a trend which is increasing almost exponentially. As local and state gov'ts both are feeling increasing budget crunches, they are aggressively looking for new sources of revenue. How convenient is it to use the guise of public safety to do so?

I once lived in a small town that hired a new police chief, a real prick. He actually bragged to the city council how he had dramatically increased revenues by fining the citizens more, in the form of traffic tickets.

Speeding tolerances are decreasing everywhere. Don't assume that you'll be given a 5 or 7 mph grace anymore.

I think it is a sad, and alarming, state of affairs when we live in a society that relies on fines on the citizenry to finance their excessive and bloated selves. And now they have discovered a way to do this simply by going to the internet. How long before they monitor your driving habits with remote read GPS units, then mail you your speeding tickets?

 

They can't see my pool, it's in a box in the garage:-D

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/310/inflatablekiddiepools53.jpg

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

Well pretty soon over here as you probably know we're the most CCTV'd country in the world and they are now beginning to integrate AI to the system,that's the main problem with CCTV you need a man to man the cameras to spot the crime,what if computers could do it?24 hours a day,7 days a week all year round.

The first thing that's being integrated are auto registration plate recognition software this has been tested and passed and has now been rolled out in certain places in the UK,the other is automatic facial recognition software I don't know if its been rolled out anywhere yet though,so your specific movements can be tracked anywhere in the CCTV system and any infractions during that time.

The next logical course are AI's that can spot crime such as litter being dropped then the skies the limit it just depends on what AI they can come up with.

24 hour a day policemen watching your every move:eek :-D

The OP regarding Google's photographs is another good example of the continuing invasion of privacy and how the excess of data can be used,I don't wanna sound like a conspiracy nut but these things always start the same,they are used first in special cases then eventually the power is misused and turned on the people,to varying degree's.

 

I agree with you Laura. BUT, alas the government now has one more tool to its disposal to get the lawbreakers. Government using google software to fetch them leaves a bad taste in my mouth though. Free software for them bureaucrats ... right? Okay okay, they saved taxpayer's money by using google. LOL

My daughter's backyard faces a conservation area. The bureaucracy and steps they had to take to have a pool installed was incredible and their plan (by a local landscaper) was scrutinized with a microscope. It took many months and minuscule changes to their plan before they got the okay.

 

Yes, I find Google earth to be invasion of privacy as well. I tried it out and uninstalled it pretty soon after.... after I took a screen pic of my daughter's backyard with her swimming pool on Google earth. LOL I could see exactly how many neighbors of hers had one as well and their shape/layout.

 

Personally, I've got mixed feelings about the google maps. My mother used to be able to virtually visit her homeland, Belgium, whenever she wanted to. If your child moves to a distant city, you don't have to wait until you get there to see his/her new house, especially with street view. Very awesome.

On the other hand, I would prefer that my house weren't on it as well. Nice tool for bad guys to identify and case their prospects.

Nothing like a little hyprocrisy for a Thursday.

 

My sister's house overseas was broken into and vandalized on top of stealing. The police told her that her house is on the corner and therefore it's easier for the vandals to get away.

BTW, I got a google pic from the house I was raised in, in Holland. Brought back some memories as I didn't have any pics of it.

 

It's not only Google earth that takes pics though. Look at this video. It's a Dutch commercial but everyone will get the idea. LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bp4rEzf_8Y&feature=related

 

If you want a great read on Invasion of Privacy, check out
Monitor by Simon Davies.
Published by PAN. in 1996
ISBN 0-33035843-X
You won't find it on the shelves, maybe in the cheap bins.
I purchased 2 copies, as a Manager's Markdown special for $1 each. :-D

Re-reading it in 2010, it is amazing how many of his predictions have come true, including the proliferation of CCTV, the Identity card, Numbered like cattle, The end of Telephone privacy,

Each chapter in his book is ended with a list of additional references/sources.

It would be worth your while to see if your local library has a copy you can read. IMO.

Google Search on Monitor "Simon Davies" gives many links
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...=&as_occt=any&cr=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&safe=images

Another source, or idea might be:

What our Book Club is all about...
We help avid readers Swap, Trade & Exchange Books for Free.
http://www.paperbackswap.com/Monitor-Simon-Davies/book/033035843X/

I haven't tried that site.

Bazza

PS:
Monitor [Paperback] by
Simon Davies (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/033035843X/ref=nosim/paperbackswap-20

3 used from $36.18 :-D

Baz