Vietnamese players cheat Google Maps in quest to catch ‘em all

The suggestions did not make it to Google Maps though, as they were filtered by experts that understand local geography. Additionally, Google uses many other resources to make its maps, not just suggestions. According to a PR representative of Google in Vietnam, Google Maps is built using public data, administrative maps, and photos taken from many angles, besides the filtered suggestions.

Non-profit organisation Google Map Maker Vietnam, a group of volunteers who filter these user editing suggestions before they are submitted to Google, turned to Pokemon Go players on August 11 in a public request to stop what they call “destructive actions.”

According to the message posted on the group’s Facebook page, recently they have received many false editing suggestions. Popular instances included moving a public place, such as a school, park, or tourism spot, to the wrong location or adding imaginary public places to the map.

For example, Nghia Do Park was suggested to be moved to someone’s home. Maritime University was suggested to be moved from the northern province of Haiphong to Ho Chi Minh City. Numerous public places were suggested to be put in one location.

The group alleged that these suggestions were made by Pokémon Go players to cheat the system.

PokéStops, where players can get items, such as eggs, pokéballs, and potions, and gyms, where users can get their Pokémon to battle, are often located at public places. Though it is unclear how Niantic, the company that produced Pokémon Go, decides where to put PokéStops and gyms, the players making false edit suggestions may be doing so to have PokéStops and gyms at more convenient locations for them.

“The database you are using every day to get directions did not come out of the blue. It is the result of the efforts of thousands of people who worked hard day and night to keep it accurate and detailed,” the post said. The group called on everyone to stop spamming false suggestions, which is making their job difficult and may result in accidental mistaken edits to the map if they get through the levels of checks and approvals.

The Google Map Maker tool allows users to suggest edits to Google Maps.

Pokémon Go is a game where players use mobile device's GPS to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual creatures called Pokémon. It officially appeared in Vietnam in early August after being released in some select countries earlier in July.

As of now, the game has gained a big number of players in the country. The game has caused inconveniences such as overcrowded public places and minor traffic accidents, as some players ride their motorbikes while playing and stop in the middle of the road to catch Pokémon.

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