Google has finally added one of the most isolated countries, North Korea, to its popular mapping service.
Google, the biggest provider of internet search, can proudly say its services are available almost everywhere in the world, even in a place as isolated as North Korea. For the first time, the web giant offers its popular mapping services in North Korea, allowing users to calculate driving and walking directions. Lack of internet access in the country is not stopping the web giant from offering its entirely internet-based service, opening a new window of opportunity for the privileged ones with access to the internet.
The service may not be as popular as it is in other parts of the world, mainly due to the restrictions on free access to smartphones and internet. Also most people do not have private owned cars but the Google Maps gives walking directions for the ones in need. Besides that, Google Maps is restricted to internal routes, which means people cannot plan journeys out of the country.
The Google Maps service in North Korea is available through web and mobile apps. Google is using the data that has been added in the past year and shows roads, buildings, railway lines and other information based on close scrutiny of the country's infrastructures. The internet titan has mainly relied on the people of North Korea to map the country.
"We encourage people from around the world to continue helping us improve the quality of these maps for everyone with Google Map Maker," the company said in January 2013, North Korea Tech reports. "From this point forward, any further approved updates to the North Korean maps in Google Map Maker will also appear on Google Maps."
The tech blog showed some examples of internal routes mapped using Google Maps in North Korea. When it tried accessing routes to Seoul and Beijing , it showed an error message. But the map was able to track distance and estimated foot time from Yodok concentration camp to the Chinese border and also driving directions from Pyongyang to Sinuiju. Google is, however, yet to add timetables for public transportation on its maps for North Korea.
