Ever Wondered About How Accurate Some GPS Maps Are?

Here are two examples where signs have been errected, warning motorists about following directions from electronic devices.

A third story involves two German tourists who could have perished in Cape York after following an electronic device.

First is from the Shire of Quarrading, two hours East of Perth:

A frustrated council in Western Australia has erected signs warning drivers against using Google maps after GPS-based directions repeatedly sent travellers down unsafe roads.
The Shire of Quairading, two hours east of Perth, has put up two large signs encouraging motorists to avoid part of the Old Beverley Road and instead travel via Quairading-York Road.

The shire says while the online maps send drivers on the quickest route, the gravel road is dangerous in some conditions, particularly for those unused to driving on country roads or carrying caravans and heavy loads.


The full article published by the ABC is here:

Another example of frustration over incorrect GPS Map Info:

Drivers following Google Maps were being led onto Graham Anderson’s property instead of to the Isla Gorge entrance, which is located further down the Leichhardt Highway.

Mr. Anderson created his own sign that reads “Trust me, not Google” to redirect travellers and prevent them from getting lost. The sign is located on the Leichhardt Highway, between Theodore and Taroom, near Isla Gorge.

The sign has significantly reduced the number of people entering Anderson’s property. It has become an attraction, with travellers stopping to take photos.

Check this article from the ABC:

And… Finally, another example that could have resulted in a double tragedy when unsuspecting tourists relied only on an electronic device in Cape York:

There are excellent published maps for travellers that can be purchased as sheets or in book form and used as an adjunct to your electronic maps. They are worth carrying with you and might just prevent you from getting into an awkward situation, or even worse, putting life in jeopardy.

GET THE MESSAGE?

ALWAYS HAVE A RELIABLE BACKUP TO ELECTRONIC MAPS!

One more thing… There’s an excellent Australian movie available on Netflix or You Tube Movies called OUTBACK. Made in 2019, it tells the terrifying, true story of a young American couple who, after flying into Sydney with plans to head north up the coast, change their plans and head towards Uluru, following just an electronic GPS device, with tragic consequences. A sobering tale about what can happen.