Yes, it is operator error—the original story from WFAA is better written.   This is actually a good example of a poorly written second-hand news story. You too can be a reporter by following these steps: 1) take a real story; 2) change a few facts that will make it “offbeat”; 3)  thousands of people will share on social media without critically reading it.

 

From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Robert T Wyatt
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2016 10:15 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Another reason to not fully trust Google Maps and similar

 

I'm sorry, but that's a demolition worker error, not a Google Maps GPS error.


Angela R Cope wrote:

 

A Texas homeowner has said her life has been “wrecked” after a GPS error resulted in her house being accidentally demolished, according to local reports.

Demolition workers were supposed to knock down a building at 7601 Cousteau Drive, but Google Maps directed them one block away to 7601 Calypso Drive.

Lindsay Diaz, the owner of 7601 Calypso Drive, was informed by a neighbour that her home had been destroyed.

 

From: Paige G. Andrew <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2016 9:42 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Another reason to not fully trust Google Maps and similar