Why does Google Maps think I'm in Liverpool when I'm not?

[tekno]

On my mac, using Google Chrome, navigating to maps.google.com shows Liverpool. I'm just outside London and I've never been there!

If I google "where am I" it also shows a map of Liverpool.

Also, Chrome is looking a little different - the drop-down suggestion bar as I type in the address box spreads all the way across my screen, plus the text looks different.

Any ideas what's going on?

 

[remmy]

Don't know - something to do with the network you are connecting to?

At my work it often thinks we are in Aberdeen, even some of the targeted advertising will be for shops in Aberdeen. The company is based outside of London.

 

[0dev]

Sue it for slander!

In all seriousness it's likely because it's trying to use your IP address to determine your location and IP locations are very often inaccurate.

 

[satcomer]

On my mac, using Google Chrome, navigating to maps.google.com shows Liverpool. I'm just outside London and I've never been there!

If I google "where am I" it also shows a map of Liverpool.

Also, Chrome is looking a little different - the drop-down suggestion bar as I type in the address box spreads all the way across my screen, plus the text looks different.

Any ideas what's going on?

The service rely on your Public IP given to you by your ISP. If your ISP is based in LiverPool as a business headquarters or Central Network Center. So lookup your ISP company location and this might be why Google think you are there.

 

[CountryBobs]

Were you listening to the Beetles?

 

[tekno]

Were you listening to the Beetles?

No. I had no music playing.