http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20442487

A South Pacific island, shown on marine charts and world maps as well as on Google Earth, does not exist, Australian scientists say.

The supposedly sizeable strip of land, named Sandy Island on Google maps, was positioned midway between Australia and French-governed New Caledonia.

But when scientists from the University of Sydney went to the area, they found only the blue ocean of the Coral Sea.

More at the link.

I recall Alex posting about maps where fake towns were added so that the copyright holder could ensnare those who copied their maps, could this stem from the same reason?

Mr R - 22 November 2012 06:13 AM

I recall Alex posting about maps where fake towns were added so that the copyright holder could ensnare those who copied their maps, could this stem from the same reason?

The same story says this is unlikely. This makes sense when you think about it as there would be nautical safety issues involved.

A spokesman from the service told Australian newspapers that while some map makers intentionally include phantom streets to prevent copyright infringements, that was was not usually the case with nautical charts because it would reduce confidence in them.

It came from somewhere!

There used to be much more of these fantom islands on nautical charts. They stem from:

- inaccurate geographic place determinations of existing islands (e.g., the existing island is degrees away from the listed position);
- true (volcanic) islands that have subsequently submerged;
- reports of “surf” that was not surf;
- fraudulent Captains that wanted themselves in the history books for a “discovery”.

- a submersible villain´s lair.

- It’s the Lost island. It was there for the satellites, but then got moved.

A South Pacific island, shown on marine charts and world maps as well as on Google Earth, does not exist, Australian scientists say.

Since google earth is a composite of satellite photos I would think that if it were on there it would be real.  However I guess there is always the possibility that the satellite photos could be doctored although I don’t know why someone would.

Maybe it comes and goes with the rising tides…..or hurricanes named ‘Sandy’?