Daniel Eran Dilger
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Warning: Google Maps Walking directions are in Beta

August 1st, 2008

Google Maps Walking!
Daniel Eran Dilger
Okay folks, I know I need to get back to writing my essays on technology, but I had to post this because I split my sides while taking a look at Google’s latest beta project: walking directions within Google Maps.


Typically, Google gives you car directions that are often comical if you’re really on foot, say when you pull up instructions on your iPhone. In this case however, it told me the best way to walk to San Rafael from the City would be to stroll out into the Ocean near the George Bush Sewage Treatment Plant, then hike down through the peninsula through Milpitas and then out Altamont Pass into the boonies of Stockton near I-5 before cutting through Napa Valley and climbing over the top of Mount Tam on a 241 mile journey estimated to take three days and nine hours.

No wonder Americans drive everywhere. Click to enlarge!

The best part: “Walking directions are in beta. Use caution when walking in unfamiliar areas.”

Google Maps Walking!

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  • Brau

    So what’s the problem?! A short swim and a long walk never hurt nobody. ;)

    Guess it’ll be few days before we see your next article.

  • lmasanti

    You still did not realize that you are writing from Tanganika, not SF!

    Christoforos Columbus was using Yahoo! Maps’ straight-West directions when he collided America!

    (OTOH, is there any Google service that it is not in Beta?)

  • Dorotea

    it’ really a training plan for a tri-athalon. Unfortunately they forgot the biking instructions. Beta software – you know.

  • Pingback:   Health,Nature,Uncategorized | Walking it off — Recycle Email()

  • fatbarstard

    Its the little things… this is really funny… I’ve never been to SF… is there really a George Bush sewerage plant?? Possibly not, but still… nice day for a stroll then… wonder what Google Maps would tell you to do if you were driving??

  • fatbarstard

    I just did that – put in the directions for driving… 20.6 miles in 38 minutes…. Google’s walking directions are a load of crap…

  • droughtquake

    @ fatbarstard There isn’t a George Bush Sewage Treatment Plant yet, but it’s on the November ballot.

    For those who are unaware, there are pedestrian sidewalks on the Golden Gate Bridge (which would cut Daniel’s walk to San Rafael significantly). But pedestrians are forbidden on the State-run Bay Area bridges (the GG Bridge is not owned by California).

  • dssstrkl

    Can we not call the treatment plant that? I work in aquatic toxicology, and these plants do amazing work filtering out all of the toxins that Bush & co. have allowed Chevron and the like to dump there in the first place. Its incredibly insulting to people who work every day keeping our water clean to name an award-winning water treatment plant after a man who’s trying to get a part as a villain in Captain Planet.

  • http://www.cyclelogicpress.com Partners in Grime

    At least Google didn’t give you walking directions to San Rafael, France. That might have taken even longer.

  • http://www.ecphorizer.com Tod

    Daniel wrote: “In this case however, it told me the best way to walk to San Rafael from the City would be to stroll out into the Ocean near the George Bush Sewage Treatment Plant, then hike down through the peninsula through Milpitas…”

    Those who are curious about the place name of Milpitas can find out more here: http://tinyurl.com/5qemvo .

  • benlewis

    “Looking to honor the forty-third President of the United States of America, George W. Bush, the recently formed Presidential Memorial Commission of San Francisco is looking to change the name of the Oceanside Wastewater Treatment Facility.”

    @dssstrkl – I have to admit I see your point, but just think what this would mean to the rest of us! An entire city symbolically sending him a load of feces each and every day. BTW, he’s the only modern president not to have visited San Francisco in person. Lucky for us, eh?

  • geoffrobinson

    I see the symbolism. Taking tons of liberal crap and trying to do something useful with it. Makes sense.