Google Maps now formally exhibits the Gulf of Mexico because the Gulf of America for those who open the app within the US. In a blog post, Google stated it rolled out the named change as a result of the federal government has already updated the Geographic Names Data System (GNIS), which decides the "federal and nationwide customary for geographic nomenclature." One of many govt orders President Donald Trump signed in January when he took workplace renames the physique of water, however Google previously explained that it's the corporate's longstanding coverage to attend for official authorities assets to be up to date earlier than making use of any identify change.
The Gulf of America label will solely be seen for those who use the Maps app within the US, or for those who open Maps on the internet and your system's location is about to the area. In the event you're in Mexico, the label nonetheless exhibits Gulf of Mexico. And for those who're elsewhere, you'll see it marked as each, particularly: Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America). It's additionally longstanding coverage for the corporate to indicate official native names once they range between nations. Trump's govt order additionally renames Denali, the best mountain peak in North America, to Mount McKinley. Up to now, the situation remains to be being proven as Denali on Maps.
Individually, Apple up to date its Maps software and web site to incorporate the brand new nomenclature for US customers. At current, the corporate's map graphics nonetheless show "Gulf of Mexico," however clicking on the area brings up a card that claims "Gulf of America." Looking for "Gulf of Mexico" brings up the identical GoA card.
Based on Bloomberg, Apple received't restrict this modification to solely the US. The information org, paraphrasing Apple, stated that the corporate will "quickly roll out the shift for all customers globally." We now have reached out to Apple to verify that customers worldwide, together with these in Mexico, will see Gulf of America on the corporate's maps.
A Congressional Analysis Service report on how and the place geographical identify modifications apply specifically says that "personal corporations equivalent to Google Maps and Apple Maps" could be unaffected by President Trump's Govt Order. The report additionally notes that selections from the US Board on Geographic Names, which was accountable for actioning the identify change, solely apply to federal use.
Replace, February 11, 5:35PM ET: This story and its headline had been up to date to mirror Apple's determination to vary the identify of the Gulf of Mexico in its Maps software. Further context on geographical identify modifications from a Congressional Analysis Service report was additionally added.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-adopts-gulf-of-america-for-us-maps-users-140026397.html?src=rss
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