The Fake Neighborhoods on Google Maps
Half as Interesting explains how fake neighborhoods and mistaken border designations as they appear on Google Maps can have real life consequences. In one extreme example, war between Nicaragua and Costa Rica almost erupted due a mapping misunderstanding. Google had mistakenly placed the wrong borders around Calero Island, making the island appear to belong Nicaragua, but in reality it belongs to Costa Rica. Luckily, the mistake was caught and no war ensued. But the phenomenon of fake neighborhoods has caused confusion in some areas.