Discover little-known places using Google Maps: a practical guide

The popularity of Google Maps is undeniable, making it an essential tool for both trip planning and exploring remote corners of the planet. However, despite its vast database , there are places that remain hidden from users' view, whether for security reasons, government policies, or the privacy of certain entities.

These "forbidden" sites demonstrate the limitations the platform still faces and its dependence on individual country regulations. The technology website Mashable has compiled a list of ten such sites, revealing the uniqueness of each case.

The Dutch Royal Residence is one of the most notable examples, as its images are censored for security reasons. Other royal sites, such as the Huis ten Bosch mansion , are also hidden. In other countries, restrictions are in response to government directives. Streets in North Korea , for example, are not visible on the platform due to local government censorship policies.

Google spokesperson Deanna Yick explained that satellite and aerial imagery is obtained from public and commercial sources , and that its providers "are required to follow the laws in force in their countries." For this reason, some must distort the images before delivering them. A paradigmatic case is that of the White House in the United States, whose display was restricted in the past, although the government later required that it be displayed with greater clarity.

Another off-limits site is Tantauco National Park in Chile, an area home to endangered species. The censorship of its detailed image is intended to prevent poaching. Meanwhile, the Keowee Reservoir in South Carolina, United States, cannot be viewed up close because the Duke Energy company operates there, which requested not to appear on the platform.

Restrictions also apply to military and security facilities. In the United States, both Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the Michael Aaf Building in Utah , which is linked to the military, are shown with distorted images for security reasons.

A similar case occurs in Japan with Minami Torishima Airport , where the country's military forces operate, or in the city of Vlissingen in the Netherlands, where military property is also protected. Finally, a mysterious location in Russia that is hidden for unknown reasons is also striking, as is the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq , which appears as a blurry speck on the map.

• Mark points of interest: Add specific locations such as restaurants, museums, monuments, and other sites you want to visit.
• Create custom routes: plot personalized routes, whether on foot, by bike, or by car, and save the information for easy access.
• Access from any device: Custom maps can be viewed in both a web browser and the Google Maps mobile app by going to the "Saved" section.