In an unexpected move, Google announced today its intention to update Google Maps in accordance with President Trump’s executive order dated January 20th. The order entails changing the names of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Mount McKinley to Denali. This update will be implemented once the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) reflects the changes.
Google emphasized its commitment to applying name changes as soon as they are updated in official government sources. “We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources,” the company stated. It further explained that in cases where name changes differ between countries, Maps users will see the official local name, while everyone else around the world will see both names.
Here are key points to consider regarding the name changes on Google Maps and beyond:
- Denali was previously known as Mount McKinley until 2015.
- The US Department of the Interior announced its intention to implement the name changes in line with the executive order. The Department of the Interior stated that the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, under its purview, is swiftly working to update the official federal nomenclature in the Geographic Names Information System to reflect these changes immediately for federal use.
With Google taking the lead in updating its mapping service, it raises the question of how other tech giants, such as Apple, will respond. An Apple spokesperson was not available for immediate comment on the matter, leaving speculation about Apple Maps’ future plans.
As we witness these changes being implemented across various platforms, it reminds us of the power of official mandates and the ripple effects it has on everyday aspects of our lives, including the names we see on our maps. It prompts us to consider the impact of such decisions on our perception of geography and history, urging us to reflect on the significance of names and the stories they tell.
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