Adverse Uses of Street Maps
Ill-intentioned people use Google Maps and Bing Maps to:
Locate entrances to buildingsDetermine locations of security cameras, gates, etcFind good hiding placesFind holes or weak spots in perimeter fencesLocate utility boxes (power, water, gas)See what make, model, and color of vehicle a building occupant or resident drivesSee if locks, guards, dogs, etc., are normally presentMeasure distances between objects (using Google Earth) to determine how quickly it would take to run or drive from one point to another.
Using Street View creates a lot less suspicion than if they were to actually visit the site and stand in the middle of the road for a look-see. Although mapping cars won’t drive up a private drive, if the building is on or near a public street, it is fair. Google Maps is also supposed to automatically obscure (blur) text on buildings, license plates, people’s faces, etc. However, even without those tidbits of data, there is still a lot of useful information provided through Street View.
How Can You Prevent Your Home or Business From Being Seen
Request to have your home, car, etc., removed from Google Maps Street View or Bing Maps Streetside View by using the “report a problem” link on the page when the image is centered on your home or business. You’ll have to answer several questions, then Google and Bing will review your report and decide on the next steps.
