Google's Maps and Redacting

I thought this was an interesting little comparison of the mapping data between TerraServer and Google's new maps.

Google’s White House

TerraServer's White House

For those that can't tell, Google appears to have blocked out the White House buildings with neutral pixels. I certainly do not blame Google; I am sure it is not their doing. I'm not exactly clear on how a picture which is significantly less than 3 meter resolution could be that big a threat; you could get that accuracy from binoculars. I am sure someone out there can let me in on that. The only take away from this is if you're planning to reshingle the roof of the White House, you better use something besides these maps to plan it.

D