Google Earth images compromise secret installations in S. Korea

[Desertdog]

Google Earth images compromise secret installations in S. Korea
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/05/front2453620.076388889.html
A Google Earth image [ZOOM] of Seoul, South Korea

Special to World Tribune.com
EAST-ASIA-INTEL.COM
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
Google Earth, a new map search engine service being offered by Google [ http://earth.google.com/ ], offers its global audience access to satellite imagery of South Korea's presidential mansion and sensitive military facilities, including restricted air force bases and naval ports.

The Seoul government said that the satellite photos have sparked "security concerns" in South Korea, which is technically in a state of war with North Korea because the 1950-53 conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. The border between the two nations remains tightly sealed and guarded by nearly 2 million troops on both sides.
Google Earth's satellite mapping service is accessible to anyone who logs onto the Internet and downloads the program. After acquiring Keyhole, a company specializing in aerial photographed maps in October last year, Google has been offering maps of countries worldwide. Google is the leading U.S. Web search service provider, with 21 sales offices worldwide.

 

[Gray Peterson]

The North Koreans probably already know this information already.

 

[MikeIsaj]

The North Koreans probably already know this information already

Well they do now!

 

[Gray Peterson]

Of course I was talking about even before Google made this information available.

 

[Car Knocker]

Do the South Koreans think that China doesn't have spy satellites and China doesn't talk to N. Korea, its Communist neighbor and brother-in-arms?

 

[O.F.Fascist]

In this day and age if you want something hidden and secret it needs to either be underground or atleast under some cover.

 

[dolanp]

It shows a lot of US bases too and nobody seems to be stopping it so I guess they figure other countries already have this info.

 

[MechAg94]

I am not sure how much China talks to NK much anymore. Seems to me that China likes having them there as a buffer to SK and the US, but the last thing they would want is NK starting a war that would bring our army back over there in higher numbers.

I am sure there are experts who know much more than me though.

 

[scout26]

The data on Goolge Earth is at least 3-4 years old.

 

[dolanp]

Oh hey what's this?

Groom Lake

 

[Lennyjoe]

The North Koreans probably already know this information already

The North Koreans probably have folks working in them areas already.

 

[MillCreek]

I have noticed that on Google Earth, the resolution over sensitive US military sites has been blurred. My wife looked at a couple of places she had been stationed, and all you see is a fuzzy blur.

 

[Coronach]

That, or a large number of assets are missing. Go look at Pearl Harbor. I count USS Missouri, USS Arizona and USS Utah, none of which are in service ( ), a handful of mothballed ships in one of the Lochs, and one or two active-duty destroyers at the quays.

My deduction is that they made sure there were no major assets in port when the photo was taken. Norfolk seems to be a similar affair.

Mike

 

[cordex]

There are a few sections in the US that are completely blacked out in Google Earth. One is a 26 mile strip over the Canada/Alaska border and another is a square near Phillidelphia.

 

[tulsamal]

I have noticed that on Google Earth, the resolution over sensitive US military sites has been blurred.

Go to D.C. and look at the White House if you want a laugh!

Gregg

 

[Coronach]

I wonder how many of the blackouts are deliberate, and how many are just missing data? I've seen a few that did not /SEEM/ to be in sensitive areas...

If there was one nearby, I could drive and see. If I don't return, you'll know the CIA has me.

Also, what's wrong with the white house?

Mike

 

[Third_Rail]

I just downloaded Google Earth. It's a version of Celestia, overlayed with the Keyhole software - a neat combination.