Google Maps Hide Katrina Damage

March 31, 2007

New Orleans - New Orleans residents aren't happy with what is being shown at Google's popular satellite map portal.

Google recently replaced satellite imagery of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina with pictures taken before the storm.

The residents said the old images include marinas filled with boats, intact bridges and parks filled with healthy, full-bodied trees.

They also said the images show homes that were wiped off foundations during the storm back in place.

A spokesman for Google said the old maps are the best the company can currently offer; however, Google maps of Mississippi are accurate.

This discrepancy between the states has some New Orleans residents suspicious that the switch in New Orleans to pre-Katrina maps is part of a public relations campaign.

Other residents blame political leaders who want to paint a rosier picture of slow reconstruction efforts.