The march of progress

Here in the Sandlands we don't always get progress exactly right. Yesterday saw the introduction of toll gates on the main super-highway artery of Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road. If you're interested in that brilliant example of flawed planning consult any one of the over 1 million Google hits for the search terms 'Dubai' and 'toll'.

The illustration above has nothing to do with the chaos in Dubai. It is progress of a different order. Google Maps now has data for not only Big D but also Abu Dhabi. Wow!

I happily toggled between map, satellite and hybrid view and then inevitably sought to locate my current abode. There, the building at the corner of 3rd and 10th streets: Yes!

The map, if consulted, shows that there are dozens of 3rd streets in different neighbourhoods of the UAE capital. And as many 10th streets!

At the bottom right is 7th street, again one of many. (Or am I getting it confused with 19th street? Which appears on many maps as Al Falah Street. Umm... but it's often still referred to as Passport Road.)

You get the picture? Do not rely on Google Maps if you're coming to visit me. Also, remember, we have no house numbers here either. I'm in the pink tower block next to the Central Market construction site, the noisy 24/7 construction site. Remember? How progress marches here? Out of step.

Ah, fugeddaboutit.