A search and rescue organization says it finally got Google to remove a non-existent trail from its Maps app, after crew members were called in again to remove a stranded hiker from dangerous terrain in the North Shore Mountains near Vancouver. .
Helicopter and rope teams from North Shore Rescue (NSR) were needed to save the hiker who became stranded on the non-existent trail on the north side of Mount Fromme on November 4.
NSR said it did a similar helicopter rescue in the same area the 20 of September.
Google Maps showed that the nonexistent trail headed north from the summit of Mount Fromme, which lies just east of the popular Grouse Mountain ski hill, toward the vicinity of Kennedy Falls, in what NSR describes as “terrain extremely steep and dangerous.” “.
“This morning, NSR received word that our Google Map request had been processed and the non-existent trail north of Fromme had been removed,” NSR said in a social media post.
“Thanks to Google for the update and a very special thanks for everyone’s efforts after our post this weekend!”
NSR said a week ago that it had contacted Google about the issue but had not received a response. Recently, volunteers even went to the trouble of posting signs in the area warning of the danger.
A third hiker fell to his death in the same area two years ago.
In last week’s rescue, NSR said crews had to be lowered to an area about 100 meters below the hiker because low clouds limited the height the helicopter could fly. Rescuers then secured the hiker, put him in a harness and took him to a location where the helicopter could extract him.
Breaking: has contacted Google for comment.
According to Dwight Yochim, senior manager with the BC Search and Rescue Association, false trailing has been a concern for some time.
“On Google Maps someone put a trail where there was no trail,” Yochim said on the CBC show. The first edition.
“So people look for ways to get to various mountains. [that] I had never taken that path, they leave. “And it’s a big forest with extremely steep, dangerous areas that just get people in trouble.”
Yochim said the lesson is that Google Maps, while a good tool for finding a coffee shop, should not be used for hiking.
He suggests that hikers who use their phone to navigate should consider more accurate apps like AllTrails, Gaia or Strava. Their main recommendation, however, is to use reliable, old-school options.
“I really like the map and compass. My map has never run out of batteries,” said Yochim, whose recommendation was shared by NSR.
“Of course, if you use your phone to navigate… be sure to bring a spare charged external battery, as mapping programs can quickly drain your phone’s battery, especially in the cold,” the organization said online. social.
