Google
and other map giants like Yahoo and Bing are yet to recognise the
Republic. Why don't the so called map giants react so swiftly like the
world leaders to the physical alteration of the world map by properly
locating the new state on their maps? well, the answer isn't that
complicated to technocrats but too intricate for ordinary folks.
Google
came out with its own verdict on the issue: "We are following the
situation in South Sudan and are working with data providers to ensure
that we depict the area accurately," a google representative said.
The official seemed to point to a plan they unveiled earlier this month about the mapping of South Sudan with the help of South Sudanese diaspora and various NGOs.It
might be a valuable point in their opinion but is it concrete enough
since the borders between the south and north was demarcated by the
colonial powers (in this case, the UK) in 1920s? Well, lets leave google
with their plans even if that will take six month or a year to draw the
map of South Sudan.
Unlike
Google, Microsoft's Bing or Yahoo didn't issue any statement on the
matter and map searches using the two companies' data since today only
bring the previous structure of the Sudan they stored in their
databases.
Mapping
of a country or boundaries do not require membership applications like
joining the International Olympic Committee or other world bodies. But
do require physical data from the concerned state or city. However its
still unclear whether Google, Bing or Yahoo managed to contact the
government of the Republic of South Sudan especially the Ministry of
Information for such data.
*Ayuen
Michael Biar is a technology expert working for The Upper Nile Times. He is
currently based in Bor Town, Jonglei State. to contact him, please
email: mike@untimes.org
The Upper Nile Times
