It has been confirmed that a domestic map data processing company inquired with the government regarding the data processing method of Google's 'Street View.' For Google to export South Korea's high-precision maps abroad, it must process original data through a domestic partner firm and screen out data unrelated to national security. Because of this, interpretations are emerging that Google may have entered technical reviews for a partnership to export high-precision map data.
According to industry sources and related organizations on the 13th, a domestic map data processing firm recently inquired with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport about the Street View data processing method. Street View is Google's virtual map feature that displays streets and areas around the world in 360-degree panoramic photos.
In the industry, reactions indicate that it is unusual for a domestic company to query the government on the processing method for Street View, which is not subject to security treatment under the current Act on the Establishment and Management of Spatial Data. An industry official said, “Domestic map data processing firms are not subject to legal control [regarding Street View security processing],” adding, “Asking [the government] about that means there is a high possibility it is linked to Google.”
In February, the government conditionally approved the export of 1:5,000 scale high-precision maps. The National Geographic Information Institute is reported to have sent a document to Google in the first half of this year demanding a plan to implement the conditions for exporting high-precision maps. Outlooks are also emerging that Google will reply next month with a document containing implementation plans for the prerequisites of the export.
Once Google's response arrives, the government, along with working-level experts, can verify whether the actual implementation of conditions is feasible and proceed with export operations through domestic partner companies. Observations suggest that for the high-precision map export operations to be completed within this year, Google must reply in writing with security condition implementation plans by early next month.
The Consultative Body on Overseas Export of Surveying Results, which deliberates on the export of high-precision maps, conditionally permitted the export of 1:5,000 scale high-precision maps to Google in February while setting prerequisites such as video and image security processing, coordinate display restrictions, domestic server utilization, and post-export modifications by domestic companies. Regarding image security processing, it required military and security facilities to be blurred or masked out.
Industry sources and spatial data experts expect Street View to become a key issue during the image security processing stage. Although Street View itself is not subject to security treatment under the Act on the Establishment and Management of Spatial Data, points of interest (POI) and security identification information could be included. Depending on processing methods such as overseas processing, controversy may arise.
An academic official said, “If only Street View images or photos are sent out, legal restrictions are not large, but if POI information is included [in Street View] and buildings are classified as to what kind of buildings they are, discussions could change,” adding, “POI information may ultimately be data brought from national basic maps or high-precision maps, and combining location information may also not be easy in terms of security.”
