Apple Maps Accidentally Reveals Secret Military Base In Taiwan

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Apple Maps Accidentally Reveals Secret Military Base In Taiwan

Posted by Soulskill on Wednesday October 10, 2012 @08:43AM from the no-harm-no-foul dept.

redletterdave writes "After one Taiwanese newspaper snapped and printed a satellite photo of a top-secret military base from the new Maps application running on an iPhone 5, the defense ministry of Taiwan on Tuesday publicly requested Apple blur the sensitive images of the country's classified military installations. The top-secret radar base, located in the northern county of Hsinchu, contains a highly-advanced ultra-high-frequency long-range radar that military officials say can detect missiles launched as far away as the city of Xinjiang, which is located in northwest China. The radar system was obtained via U.S.-based defense group Raytheon in 2003, and is still being constructed with hopes to be completed by the end of this year. 'Regarding images taken by commercial satellites, legally we can do nothing about it,' said David Lo, the spokesman of Taiwan's defense ministry, in a statement to reporters. 'But we'll ask Apple to lower the resolution of satellite images of some confidential military establishments the way we've asked Google in the past.'"

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Probably weren't even looking for it. by AuralityKev · 2012-10-10 08:45 · Score: 5, Funny

They found it when they were actually searching for the nearest Burger King in Gary, Indiana.
1. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 08:48 · Score: 1
  
  They found it when they were actually searching for the nearest Burger King in Gary, Indiana.
  Hey when you have a feature that Google doesn't, you gotta show it off to demonstrate your superiority!
2. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by firex726 · 2012-10-10 08:49 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  > Turn left at the Pacific Ocean and continue for 6000 miles.
3. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by X0563511 · 2012-10-10 08:52 · Score: 2
  
  It's like the real-world equivalent of stumbleupon, only you lose your address bar and can't use a traditional search engine.
  
  --
  For large sets, this will be our guide even unto death, for the LORD will work for each type of data it is applied to...
4. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Quiet_Desperation · 2012-10-10 09:11 · Score: 1
  
  What? Your car isn't amphibious? Whattaloooser!
5. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by cayenne8 · 2012-10-10 09:11 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  Not sure what the big deal is.
  If Apple has images of it....you know the other side already had even higher resolution images of it long ago.....(likely with previously stolen US technology).
  
  --
  Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
6. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by poetmatt · 2012-10-10 09:23 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Please. We're talking about Taiwan. Let's not insult Taiwan like that - Taiwan has not stooped to the level of Gary, Indiana.
7. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by K.+S.+Kyosuke · 2012-10-10 09:26 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  It's called diplomacy: You pretend that you haven't build a secret military base just across the potential enemy's street and the potential enemy pretends that he has no knowledge of it.
  
  --
  Ezekiel 23:20
8. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by houghi · 2012-10-10 09:41 · Score: 2
  
  http://goo.gl/maps/XfYm3
  Look at step 16
  
  --
  Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
9. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Bill,+Shooter+of+Bul · 2012-10-10 09:54 · Score: 1
  
  So, they were suicidal, then?
  
  --
  Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
10. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Trax3001BBS · 2012-10-10 09:57 · Score: 1
  
  http://goo.gl/maps/XfYm3 Look at step 16
  Well you always stop at Hawaii, this just infers your on the ground when you travel..
  Which for me would be very nice for a change.
  
  I've been to Hawaii four times and never once got off the plane, either it was a quick fuel stop.or raining too hard.
  .
11. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by garyisabusyguy · 2012-10-10 10:13 · Score: 1
  
  Then you dismantle the entire base and replace it with paper mache and blow-up objects so that the potential enemy targets a fake base while you re-build it in secret
  Shake, bake and repeat
  
  --
  Wherever You Go, There You Are
12. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 10:27 · Score: 0
  
  We have Burger King in Australia, but I am still trying to work out how to drive to Taiwan.
13. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by jiriw · 2012-10-10 10:51 · Score: 1
  
  This route may have road closures.
  *Sprays drink through nose upon keyboard
  Why isn't there a route with a ferry through the Bering strait nowadays? The wonderful, carbon-dioxide induced temperatures should make that one easy to pull off, you'd think ;)
14. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 11:17 · Score: 0
  
  Well that would be 3400 Grant Street. Anyone from G. I. knows that.
15. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 13:41 · Score: 0
  
  A bridge across it has been approved though. It is planned to be completed in 2030.
16. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by slashmydots · 2012-10-10 13:42 · Score: 1
  
  They found it when they were actually searching for the nearest Burger King in Gary, Indiana.
  And it was labeled Streisand Air Base.
17. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by drkim · 2012-10-10 14:46 · Score: 2
  
  Don't be silly! You can't take this route!
  Didn't you see the note on step 21?
  Slight left onto HI-80 S/Kamehameha Hwy
  Continue to follow Kamehameha Hwy 2.1 mi
  This road is closed until 28 Oct!
18. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 14:46 · Score: 1
  
  Besides, all their base are belong to the US anyway.
19. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Drathos · 2012-10-10 16:31 · Score: 1
  
  Things are improving. It used to involve swimming or kayaking across the Pacific. At least now you can take a sailboat.
  
  --
  End of line..
20. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Plumpaquatsch · 2012-10-10 20:12 · Score: 1
  
  http://goo.gl/maps/XfYm3
  Look at step 16
  Looks like you can also walk, but not bike or "transit" that route.
  
  --
  Of course news about a fake are Fake News.
21. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 20:14 · Score: 1
  
  Then you dismantle the entire base and replace it with paper mache and blow-up objects so that the potential enemy targets a fake base while you re-build it in secret
  Shake, bake and repeat
  "blow-up objects" is an unfortunate turn of phase, given the context. Perhaps "inflatable" might have been less ambiguous? ;-)
22. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by SimonTheSoundMan · 2012-10-10 22:28 · Score: 1
  
  https://maps.google.com/maps?q=from:+japan+to:+china&saddr=japan&daddr=china&hl=en&sll=33.728725,121.197535&sspn=24.456251,44.560547&geocode=FRhxKAIdfJI9CCkvGX_XD05nNDFEUmZ81HVC9Q%3BFZw0IwIdReU1BinBQsblZI5QMTFvNp80fKodlQ&dirflg=d&t=m&z=5
  Step 41.
23. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Guignol · 2012-10-10 22:34 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  The big deal, is, we must have managed to get past c, somehow, and are now stuck in the bizarro universe
  
  Message from the ministry of defense to Apple and everyone else:
  
  "We are sorry to ask you Apple so bluntly to follow our strict privacy rules, but this as a matter of the highest importance for our country and therefore we demand:
  That the pictures taken from our Ultra Top Secret Defense facility be blurred immediately
  
  The top-secret radar base, located [Full address with detailed instructions about how to get there quickly + nice hotels and restaurants nearby] , contains a highly-advanced ultra-high-frequency long-range radar that can detect missiles launched as far away as the city of Xinjiang.
  The radar system was obtained via U.S.-based defense group Raytheon in 2003 for $1.23 billions, you will see in attachment a copy of the receipt and the names, addresses and phone numbers of the diplomats and businessmen involved in the super secret project so that you can confirm those figures, should you need to
  This Top secret facility is operated by over 250 trained soldiers and scientists. There are 25 dogs protecting the north and west areas, 35 people shift turns every 3 hours to protect the rest of it, except at lunch since they all lunch together
  
  Again, blur the pictures immediately as they are a threat to our top secret facility "
24. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-11 01:33 · Score: 0
  
  It is, but unfortunately the range is only 1,000 miles, and there's a conspicuous lack of fuel stations in the Pacific.
  
  And while it is a hybrid (Diesel, wind when the sails are raised), a unprepared voyager may not have prepared enough clean water and food for the voyage.
25. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by rthille · 2012-10-11 05:51 · Score: 1
  
  I actually passed one on the freeway just the other day. Looked very much like this one: http://montaraventures.com/pix/amphicar.jpg
  
  --
  Awesome furniture, accessories and cabinetry in Santa Rosa, CA: http://humanity-home.com/
26. Re:Probably weren't even looking for it. by Quiet_Desperation · 2012-10-11 07:53 · Score: 1
  
  That's when you hoist the main mast, me matey, and shiver me timbers and other jaunty, nautical double entendres!
Apple Maps by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 08:50 · Score: 0

Not even once
Xinjiang by trainman · 2012-10-10 08:51 · Score: 5, Informative

Slight correction, Xinjiang is a province not a city. And a very lovely part of the country to visit.
1. Re:Xinjiang by cyfer2000 · 2012-10-10 09:19 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  it's technically an " Autonomous Region" about the same size of Alaska.
  
  --
  There is a spark in every single flame bait point.
2. Re:Xinjiang by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 10:25 · Score: 0
  
  It's one of my favorite parts of China.
3. Re:Xinjiang by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-11 04:48 · Score: 0
  
  Unless you're a muslim, then expected to be arbitrarily arrested, interrogated, and accused of terrorism.
  So it's a bit like America in other words.
what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 08:51 · Score: 0

Talking things out and working cooperatively to find solutions... and from a man who works for an institution that is coercive in nature. Amazing.
1. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 08:56 · Score: 0
  
  I agree. The spokesman says "legally we can do nothing about it," but Taiwan is a country, for crying out loud!
  "Legally" means whatever they say it means. They're showing unusual restraint here.
2. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Lonewolf666 · 2012-10-10 09:01 · Score: 1
  
  A country that would have to force a company in another, much more powerful country. Any attempt to lean on Apple must consider the possibility of angering the US government.
  
  --
  C - the footgun of programming languages
3. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by crutchy · 2012-10-10 09:13 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  if taiwan declares war on the US because a US corporation violated their national security, it would open the floodgates...
  
  china: "mmm fung pei! finally we have excuse... prepare 10,000 nuclear missiles for launch, and prepare our 1,000,000,000 soldiers to finish them off"
  russia: "quickly, follow the chinese because all our stuff is a bit rusty so let them take the brunt... long live the mighty Soviet Union!"
  iran: "quick lets fuck up israel while the US is busy"
  north korea: "ahh harrow!... taiwan decrare war on US infidels... rets just rob a few terrorists over the pacific whire they're distracted"
  
  us: "aaw crap!"
4. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 09:33 · Score: 1
  
  True, but given the station was created by an American DoD contractor, the US might not want the images visible either. Especially if they use the same technology.
5. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by garyisabusyguy · 2012-10-10 10:20 · Score: 1
  
  please, it is not the 1960's anymore and nobody really buys that whole 'enemy going to launch tonight if we fail to show absolute strength'
  More likely that Taiwan wants to have more Apple plants built there and does not want to piss them off
  
  --
  Wherever You Go, There You Are
6. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Chris+Burke · 2012-10-10 10:56 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  And then France is all "Fire le missles!"
  "But I am le tired."
  "Well then have a nap. THEN FIRE LE MISSLES"
  
  --
  
  The enemies of Democracy are
7. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by AK+Marc · 2012-10-10 12:38 · Score: 1, Funny
  
  But sir, do we surrender before or after we file the missiles?
  
  --
  Learn to love Alaska
8. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by monzie · 2012-10-10 13:19 · Score: 1
  
  It's more likely that Iran not North Korea would use the word "infidels" , but I am trying to fix a really bad joke here..
9. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by drkim · 2012-10-10 14:50 · Score: 1
  
  I agree. The spokesman says "legally we can do nothing about it," but Taiwan is a country, for crying out loud!
  There is something called "international law" that applies to acts between countries.
10. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by crutchy · 2012-10-10 18:11 · Score: 2
  
  silence!... i kill you!
11. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by crutchy · 2012-10-10 18:13 · Score: 1
  
  detonate le warheads and then fire le missiles of course
12. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by crutchy · 2012-10-10 18:14 · Score: 1
  
  enemy going to launch tonight if we fail to show absolute strength
  funny... sounds like the foundation of current US foreign and defense policy to me
13. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Savage-Rabbit · 2012-10-10 19:51 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  But sir, do we surrender before or after we file the missiles?
  That is a tired such a tired joke.
  Of 125 major European wars since 1495, the French have fought in 50, more than Austria (47) and England (43).
  Out of a total 168 battles since 387BC, they won 109, lost 49 and drawn 10.
  -- Stephen Fry, QI season 6 episode 5.
  Not bad for a bunch of surrender monkeys. Disclaimer: I'm a German and we were, after all, responsible for that oft mentioned surrender but we also admire courage and tenacity even in our (thankfully former) enemies. If you occupants of the Anglo Saxon cultural bubble want to call anybody a bunch of 'Surrender Mokeys' it's us Germans. We did after all surrender twice in the last century, the French only once.
  
  --
  Only to idiots, are orders laws.
  -- Henning von Tresckow
14. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by equex · 2012-10-10 20:11 · Score: 1
  
  All US installations abroad are secondhand and obsolete.
  
  --
  Can I light a sig ?
15. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 20:26 · Score: 0
  
  Come on don't spoil our fun.
  For starters going back to 387 BC is a bit of a stretch, since France as a nation doesn't really exist. On that basis the Italians are military masterminds due to all the battles the Romans won.
  Also to use a football analogy, you have to look at who they were playing. Certainly in the last 1000 years there record against the Anglo-Saxons has been less than stellar(you can't even count the norman conquest, since the Normans were more Viking than French). Even against Germany you could claim that they only won when backed up with a big anglo-saxon contingent.
16. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by hairyfish · 2012-10-10 20:40 · Score: 2
  
  That is a tired such a tired joke.
  Not only is worn out, but the irony seems to be lost on Americans who don't exactly have the best record in winning wars (Korea, Vietnam, Iraq twice an Afghanistan). And the biggest single victory in US military history (against England) was because they were saved by the French.
17. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by hcs_$reboot · 2012-10-10 21:41 · Score: 2
  
  We did after all surrender twice in the last century, the French only once.
  And you just surrendered a 3rd time :-)
  
  --
  Slashdot, fix the reply notifications... You won't get away with it...
18. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Erikderzweite · 2012-10-10 23:55 · Score: 1
  
  >We did after all surrender twice in the last century, the French only once.
  At least Germany put up a good fight in both cases.
19. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-11 00:12 · Score: 0
  
  Sure, because you rebuild every installation on your own soil every 2 years? Or do you just sell 60 years old technology abroad? Without them noticing?
20. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-11 01:36 · Score: 0
  
  >We did after all surrender twice in the last century, the French only once.
  At least Germany put up a good fight in both cases.
  I know several German veterans of the 1940 campaign in France (or rather used to know, most of them are dead now) who felt the French put up a pretty good fight given the circumstances, especially my uncle who lost both his legs when a French Char B1 blew a big fat hole through his Panzer. I suppose it matters whether you are talking to the guys who had to go bayonet to bayonet with the French or the brass who sent them into battle. The Nazi Brass usually seem to think the whole thing was a cakewalk, the lancers on the ground usually did not share that opinion since most of them had seen one or more of their pals getting his head blown off.
21. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-11 01:52 · Score: 0
  
  Come on don't spoil our fun.
  Certainly in the last 1000 years there record against the Anglo-Saxons has been less than stellar(you can't even count the norman conquest, since the Normans were more Viking than French). Even against Germany you could claim that they only won when backed up with a big anglo-saxon contingent.
  Really? The French have a poor record against Anglo Saxon armies? Take for example the misconception that the 100 years war was an unbroken string of English victories over the French which is nonsense. People cherry-pick battles like Agincourt and Crecy as examples of French incompetence because they were spectacular disasters but ignore many French victories over the English some of which were disastrous for England and let's face it N-France hasn't been British territory for centuries has it? So somehow the Frogs must have beaten the English. As for the French track-record against us Germans, the Frogs held their own against us during WWI (Verdun anybody?) and if you want to go a little further back you should read up on Napoleon's campaigns in Austria and Germany/Prussia. Wellington's army at Waterloo was not an unbroken line of English redcoats. It contained a large percentage of Germans from Brunswick and Hanover, plus large numbers of Belgians and Hollanders, and even then old Wellie would probably have lost the battle if it hadn't been for the Prussians. There were more Germans at Waterloo than any other ethnic group except maybe the French. Finally let's keep in mind that there were more Frenchmen at the battle of Lexington as there were American Patriots, a little known but important fact. If it wasn't for the French being instrumental in kicking the Brits out of N-America god knows what would have happened to the Revolutoin.
22. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by dcw3 · 2012-10-11 04:05 · Score: 1
  
  And you can point to the applicable law? Color me doubtful.
  
  --
  Just another day in Paradise
23. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by painandgreed · 2012-10-11 04:11 · Score: 1
  
  Not bad for a bunch of surrender monkeys. Disclaimer: I'm a German and we were, after all, responsible for that oft mentioned surrender but we also admire courage and tenacity even in our (thankfully former) enemies. If you occupants of the Anglo Saxon cultural bubble want to call anybody a bunch of 'Surrender Mokeys' it's us Germans. We did after all surrender twice in the last century, the French only once.
  Understand that we are not actually calling French surrender monkeys because we felt they surrendered. In reading books on WW2, although we called the French many things as the war went on, I have not seen that they surrendered come up as an issue during the war. Instead, it is just a cheap shot because of post war politics. It was mostly Charles De Gaulle and France's insults to the US and Britain that set things off. Post war France was determined to be a superpower again and burned a lot of bridges in the attempt. De Gaulle thought that the USSR would win the cold war so broke out of NATO, developed the bomb and ignored testing treaties we had worked out with the USSR, insulted Britain by claiming they were not a nuclear country but just got the bomb from the US, invaded Algeria, and generally conducted a lot of adventurism trying to re-establish themselves as a superpower on the level of the US which led to a lot of bad feelings. After helping to free their country and giving it back to them unconditionally, it was sore spot to have them blatantly insult those who had helped them. Thus, the bit about surrendering and speaking German were just easy attacks to make.
24. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Chris+Burke · 2012-10-11 06:34 · Score: 1
  
  Disclaimer: I'm a German and we were, after all, responsible for that oft mentioned surrender but we also admire courage and tenacity even in our (thankfully former) enemies.
  Well and to be frank any nation on earth would have ended up surrendering if they were in the situation of having a long land border with Germany at the start of that war. Nobody was ready for Blitzkrieg and the only reason the UK and US weren't in the same boat as France is because they were protected by the English Channel and the Atlantic freaking Ocean respectively.
  
  --
  
  The enemies of Democracy are
25. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by drkim · 2012-10-11 08:04 · Score: 1
  
  And you can point to the applicable law? Color me doubtful.
  Exactly.
  There is no law that applies to this situation, which is why they said, "legally we can do nothing about it..."
26. Re:what a reasonable way to solve a problem by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-16 04:09 · Score: 0
  
  Is that straight up or against the spread?
Uh, maybe... by SomePgmr · 2012-10-10 08:51 · Score: 5, Funny

The images of a base showed up, so they gave everyone the specs and capabilities of the radar system in their request to hide the base again? That doesn't seem very clever.
"Dear Google, we see you're showing images of Area 51. This is the base where we hide all the alien corpses and spacecraft we've collected over the years, so we'd really appreciate it if you blur the aerial photography. Thanks!"
1. Re:Uh, maybe... by mooingyak · 2012-10-10 09:09 · Score: 1
  
  The images of a base showed up, so they gave everyone the specs and capabilities of the radar system in their request to hide the base again? That doesn't seem very clever.
  "Dear Google, we see you're showing images of Area 51. This is the base where we hide all the alien corpses and spacecraft we've collected over the years, so we'd really appreciate it if you blur the aerial photography. Thanks!"
  That part seemed a little bit odd to me too. Only thing I can think of is that it's their way of telling China that there's nothing for them to worry about without actually saying that.
  
  --
  William of Ockham had no beard. The most likely explanation is that it was chewed off by squirrels every morning.
2. Re:Uh, maybe... by heypete · 2012-10-10 09:12 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Indeed.
  More seriously, though, China has its own spy satellites and certainly has detailed aerial imagery of Taiwan probably in excess of the quality available to commercial imaging satellites. This information being known to the public isn't really going to change anything -- it's not like the average person is going to be able to do anything to a radar installation on a military base.
3. Re:Uh, maybe... by gsgriffin · 2012-10-10 09:20 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Can't find the secret bases in Taiwan...just look for the blurred areas...done.
  
  --
  jsut athnoer menagiensls ltitle psrhae for you to dcoede. Why do we wtsae our tmie dnoig tihs?
4. Re:Uh, maybe... by shmlco · 2012-10-10 09:29 · Score: 1
  
  Ditto. Anyone with the reason and the capability to do anything about the radar installation already has access to satellite imagery that far surpasses that of Maps.
  
  --
  Any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so.
5. Re:Uh, maybe... by drinkypoo · 2012-10-10 09:44 · Score: 5, Interesting
  
  The images of a base showed up, so they gave everyone the specs and capabilities of the radar system in their request to hide the base again? That doesn't seem very clever.
  You know, there may be at least a very small chance that they were not entirely forthcoming when they disclosed the capabilities and purpose of the facility in question...
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
6. Re:Uh, maybe... by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 10:11 · Score: 2
  
  Right. However, this is a public acknowledgement of Taiwan having a secret military base. China publicly blasts Taiwan in the media all the time, but is mostly ok with the current state of things behind closed doors. I wouldn't be surprised if China ends up making some sort of show about this, just to save face.
7. Re:Uh, maybe... by DRJlaw · 2012-10-10 10:48 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  More seriously, though, China has its own spy satellites and certainly has detailed aerial imagery of Taiwan probably in excess of the quality available to commercial imaging satellites. This information being known to the public isn't really going to change anything -- it's not like the average person is going to be able to do anything to a radar installation on a military base.
  
  You don't say?
  How about an above average militant?
  There is quite a leap from protester (or militant) with access to low resolution imagery and state military with access to state-launched spy satellite high resolution imagery. For instance, the state military is unlikely to launch an attack unless the leadership of that country has decided instigate a de facto war. The "average person," on the other hand, has little other means for obtaining details concerning internal security fences, obscured lines of sight, illuminated and non-illuminated areas, etc. The sort of information that you'd need to plan an infiltration in advance.
  There is quite a difference, but you either fail to appreciate it or do not care. Military personnel both appreciate the difference and care. Most people with a passing knowledge of military history apprecite the difference and care.
  So... no.
8. Re:Uh, maybe... by stephanruby · 2012-10-10 10:56 · Score: 1
  
  Those poor 2-stars generals, first it's the cows that attack and expose their secret base.
  Now Apple does the same.
9. Re:Uh, maybe... by myowntrueself · 2012-10-10 11:28 · Score: 1
  
  Dear Taiwan,
  if you tell us where all your secret bases are we'll make sure they are blurred. Send us an email with coordinates.
  Apple
  
  --
  In the free world the media isn't government run; the government is media run.
10. Re:Uh, maybe... by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 11:39 · Score: 0
  
  Um, duh? Anyone who knows some basic fucking RF knows that "long-range" and "ultra-high-frequency" aren't compatible.
11. Re:Uh, maybe... by AK+Marc · 2012-10-10 12:39 · Score: 1
  
  Most of the "satellite" view is not from satellites.
  
  --
  Learn to love Alaska
12. Re:Uh, maybe... by Rich0 · 2012-10-10 15:01 · Score: 1
  
  I'm sure that if China wanted lower-level aerial footage of the base they could have it. Taiwan isn't that big - I'm sure aircraft pass over most of it all the time, and you don't have to pass directly over a location to take a photo.
  Plus, I'd think the more sensitive thing about a fancy radar station would be its emissions, and those aren't exactly easy to hide if it can scan targets on the far side of China (though no doubt they operate it differently in peacetime).
13. Re:Uh, maybe... by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 15:15 · Score: 0
  
  I think they want it blurred to make it harder for random wackos and pranksters to attack/infiltrate the base.
14. Re:Uh, maybe... by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 23:41 · Score: 0
  
  No kidding, I went to Okinawa for work last year and the Japanese GPS's leave the military bases grayed out. Not too hard to imagine where the bases are...
15. Re:Uh, maybe... by Dr.+Evil · 2012-10-11 00:01 · Score: 1
  
  Maybe this is just an inflatable facility. Requesting it be blurred a *little* makes it seem more realistic.
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dummy_tank
16. Re:Uh, maybe... by dcw3 · 2012-10-11 04:10 · Score: 1
  
  If you think back to the Cold War, that's why the U.S.S.R. and U.S. would probe the other side. Send a single plane into the airspace, and sure the radars would light it up, and the alert crews would be launched. Next time, send a few, or from a different direction...always looking for gaps in coverage.
  
  --
  Just another day in Paradise
17. Re:Uh, maybe... by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-11 06:47 · Score: 0
  
  All of that shit is underground.
apples next law suit by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 08:52 · Score: 0

now apple is going to sue the taiwan government for copying their design for military bases.
Bad Security by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 08:54 · Score: 0

If Apple can get the images from commercial satellites then why can't any other country do the same? It seems like simply requesting that Apple take down the images is not a proper security measure.
What's the point? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 08:56 · Score: 0

Why? You'd figure those who want clear pictures of the installation for "nefarious" purposes has the means to obtain them.
1. Re:What's the point? by Antipater · 2012-10-10 09:04 · Score: 1
  
  "Wants to know what building on the base would be the best target to drive his truck loaded with explosives into" does not necessarily require "has the capability to launch spy satellites"
  
  --
  Everything is better with chainsaws.
2. Re:What's the point? by mooingyak · 2012-10-10 09:24 · Score: 1
  
  Why? You'd figure those who want clear pictures of the installation for "nefarious" purposes has the means to obtain them.
  It's under construction, so maybe it's partly a request to keep things blurred going forward to conceal progress and the final look.
  
  --
  William of Ockham had no beard. The most likely explanation is that it was chewed off by squirrels every morning.
3. Re:What's the point? by shmlco · 2012-10-10 09:36 · Score: 1
  
  If I'm a terrorist and I have a truck loaded with explosives, I don't think I'm going to drive said truck onto a military base and try to blow up a radar system. You have to match capability with intent.
  There are plenty of high profile targets to choose from, without hitting a hardened military installation. And as I've mentioned earlier, anyone with the capability AND the reason to do anything about the radar installation already has access to satellite imagery that far surpasses that of Maps.
  
  --
  Any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so.
Pics? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 08:56 · Score: 0

This post is worthless without pics!
Silly Taiwanese people. You DON'T request Apple. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 08:58 · Score: 5, Funny

Silly Taiwanese people. You don't request Apple for anything. You beg. You pray. You hope. But you DON'T speak to The Apple unless spoken to by The Apple. Commoners!
Chi-coms already know by geoffrobinson · 2012-10-10 08:58 · Score: 1

My guess is that the mainline Chinese already know all about it. I wouldn't sweat it.

--
Except for ending slavery, the Nazis, communism, & securing American independence, war has never solved anything.
Apple? by Cute+and+Cuddly · 2012-10-10 09:00 · Score: 1

Well, if the hardware is made in Chine, what makes anybody think they are not using Chinese developers as well. Perhaps was not so accidental.
Re:Terrorists new best friend by Dupple · 2012-10-10 09:03 · Score: 4, Informative

I think google may have beaten them to it
According to this article, the images are even clearer in google maps
http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/9/3477836/taiwan-radar-defense-system-apple-ios-6-maps-complaint

--
Watch those corners
Good for something... by chinton · 2012-10-10 09:04 · Score: 5, Funny

At least Apple Maps revealed something that was actually there.
1. Re:Good for something... by mynameiskhan · 2012-10-10 09:50 · Score: 2
  
  Well said. Just yesterday it could not locate a bank ATM in a building I was parked outside of. Then I had to follow it's lead up to the actual bank about 2 miles away. Thanks to great cooking by Mr. Cook.
2. Re:Good for something... by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 12:37 · Score: 0
  
  Your story doesn't make sense. If you knew the ATM was there, why were you looking for it? Was it broken, is that why you went to the bank?
3. Re:Good for something... by monzie · 2012-10-10 13:23 · Score: 2
  
  You don't know how to use iOS Maps correctly. Just like you weren't holding your iPhone 4 correctly. Dont' you know secret military bases have ATM's ? Apple just showed you an ATM were there's a less chance of a queue...
4. Re:Good for something... by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-11 00:52 · Score: 0
  
  Or did they? For all anyone knows, it could be located in an entirely different location.
Headline click fodder by Quiet_Desperation · 2012-10-10 09:07 · Score: 2

Headline makes it sound like Apple made some sort of error and gave aid and comfort to an enemy... somewhere.
The base happens to be there in a photo. Owners of base are asking for it to be blurred. Your slow news day will now come to a close. (cue national anthem)
1. Re:Headline click fodder by Scowler · 2012-10-10 09:29 · Score: 1
  
  Apple clickbait is the only thing keeping slashdot threads going these days. (Well, that and anything relating to "outrageous" copyright enforcement.)
No problem by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 09:15 · Score: 0

It's problem hidden behind a purple blur.
Oops. you mean we can't show everything on earth? by TheSkepticalOptimist · 2012-10-10 09:17 · Score: 1

Apple is going to offer a new section on the App store called "Apps for Spys"...

--
I haven't thought of anything clever to put here, but then again most of you haven't either.
In other news . . . by Tanman · 2012-10-10 09:20 · Score: 3, Funny

In other news, a giant art sculpture designed to be visible from space located in the northernmost reaches of Siberia is mysteriously blurry when viewed from the latest satellite photography through Apple's new maps application.
Streisand Effect by Roogna · 2012-10-10 09:30 · Score: 5, Interesting

Is it me, or is blurring/removing something from these maps the absolute ideal way to tell the entire world: "There's something really important to someone here."
I can see the conversation now. "How do I get to the Secret Base?" -- "Take a left and follow the road until it disappears on your map, then you're there."
1. Re:Streisand Effect by LordLucless · 2012-10-10 09:48 · Score: 1
  
  People who care already know there's something really important there. What they may not know is the precise building/street layout.
  
  --
  Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean there isn't an invisible demon about to eat your face
2. Re:Streisand Effect by gman003 · 2012-10-10 09:50 · Score: 2
  
  Which makes it perfect for misdirection.
  Taiwan: "Apple, you must immediately remove all images of this minor air-defense outpost."
  Apple: "OK. Hey everyone, we just removed images of this air-defense outpost"
  Everyone looks at the shiny forbidden images
  Nobody looks at the reinforced missile silos they were actually trying to hide
3. Re:Streisand Effect by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 09:58 · Score: 0
  
  That is generally why *all* bases in the US require the imagery to be blurred (Imagery under a certain GSD/registration accuracy is automatically classified). So you can't tell the important from the boring ones.
4. Re:Streisand Effect by interkin3tic · 2012-10-10 10:06 · Score: 1
  
  It's not just you. I'm a little disappointed I haven't seen the uncensored images in the comments here yet.
  
  Here you go Maybe TFA had images that were blocked by my browser. Either way, the photos are now far more visible than they were originally.
5. Re:Streisand Effect by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 10:07 · Score: 0
  
  Is it me, or is blurring/removing something from these maps the absolute ideal way to tell the entire world: "There's something really important to someone here."
  Well, wait, if it's anything like in the US, it could be the location of a specific former vice president's summer coffin. The question that any invading spy would have to ask themselves is whether or not that's worth the risk.
6. Re:Streisand Effect by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 10:20 · Score: 1
  
  I haven't been able to find the original images yet, but i'm pretty sure that the 'air base' satellite images on most of the sites are totally wrong. From a bit of research it looks like it's much more sensibly located on a big hill here:
  http://goo.gl/maps/H3aRr
  The main hints being the photo here:
  http://fareasternpotato.blogspot.co.uk/2012_02_01_archive.html
  And military intelligence type sites referring to it as 'Leshan Mountain' rather than 'near Hsinchu'.
  Sadly the Google images are rather low res and I don't have an iOS6 device to check on.
7. Re:Streisand Effect by DerekLyons · 2012-10-10 10:48 · Score: 1
  
  Is it me, or is blurring/removing something from these maps the absolute ideal way to tell the entire world: "There's something really important to someone here."
  Usually it's not even worth bothering to hide the fact that something important is there, the fences and armed guards are sufficient to that task. (The sub base just a few miles from me has it's own exit off the highway - complete with a standard green highway sign and the name of the base.) The goal is to either avoid revealing what that important something is, or to avoid revealing the details of that something important.
8. Re:Streisand Effect by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 11:12 · Score: 0
  
  Believe me. If a corporation can get satelite photos of a facility, then governments can get them too.
9. Re:Streisand Effect by jspoon · 2012-10-10 11:15 · Score: 1
  
  Thing is the only people who care (PRC) have their own satellites, probably more of them than anyone but the US and Russia. And you can bet they've photographed every inch of Taiwan. China's problem, then, is NOT to get images but to identify locations worthy of further attention. It could save them a lot of time to go on google maps and scan for areas with blurring or just suspiciously low resolution. Note that this is a different situation from not wanting to let non-state actors i.e. terrorists get a look at what's on the roof of the White House. That may be misguided as well, but it's probable that Al-Qaeda has no other way to get that information. Also, it's no secret at this point that there's SOMETHING up there poised to shoot down any incoming plane, so we're not giving anything away by hiding it.
10. Re:Streisand Effect by stephanruby · 2012-10-10 11:31 · Score: 2
  
  Is it me, or is blurring/removing something from these maps the absolute ideal way to tell the entire world: "There's something really important to someone here."
  Or it could just be a decoy military site.
  After all, the British and the Germans both had their own decoy sites during World War II.
  So why wouldn't Tawain have theirs too?
  After all, if the cows that breached their security perimeter couldn't even be silenced afterwards, then perhaps there was no one there to even guard the place, or to threaten the cows into not talking to the press about what they had seen.
11. Re:Streisand Effect by tompaulco · 2012-10-10 11:42 · Score: 1
  
  Take a hint from The Simpsons. Trillion dollar satellites can't find anything unless it is on the roof. Time to invest in some cheap metal buildings.
  
  --
  If you are not allowed to question your government then the government has answered your question.
12. Re:Streisand Effect by russotto · 2012-10-10 11:56 · Score: 1
  
  Take a hint from The Simpsons. Trillion dollar satellites can't find anything unless it is on the roof. Time to invest in some cheap metal buildings.
  That's not going to work so well for the business end of a radar system.
13. Re:Streisand Effect by thegarbz · 2012-10-10 15:20 · Score: 1
  
  "How do I get to the Secret Base?" -- "Take a left and follow the road until it disappears on your map, then you're there."
  Based on this info using Apple maps I've concluded there are approximately one thousand secret bases in my city alone.
Constant worry about China by mynameiskhan · 2012-10-10 09:46 · Score: 1

I am guessing that Taiwan is worried about China. But I bet they very well know that China does not depend on Apple/Google maps. China probably has a much higher resolution pic of the base and few dudes already working within the base as well. Therefore, the nature of worry is just akin to Cheney's worry about his property on google maps and his hallucinations that Russians have locked on to his property's coordinates by looking at Google earth.
Puh-lease by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 09:50 · Score: 0

Apple/Google hasn't given Beijing anything new. China spy Taiwan loooong time now!
Re:Silly Taiwanese people. You DON'T request Apple by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 09:54 · Score: 0

Silly Taiwanese people. You don't request Apple for anything. You beg. You pray. You hope. But you DON'T speak to The Apple unless spoken to by The Apple. Commoners!
The Apple has already spoken, though. The Taiwanese have obviously displeased The Apple, and informing China of this secret base is the punishment. Through this miracle, China will cleanse this unclean people from the iEarth, and it is right. It is not their place to argue this; The Apple has spoken. Glory be to Lord Jobs in the highest, and glory be to His almighty disapproving glare.
Re:Terrorists new best friend by Trax3001BBS · 2012-10-10 10:12 · Score: 2

I think google may have beaten them to it. According to this article, the images are even clearer in google maps
They are the same articles, in that they say the same thing, FT original A::
"Oddly enough, images of the base appear clearer when viewed through Google Maps"

Which google was asked to blur, as mentioned by both articles.
and winner = NONE by Joe_Dragon · 2012-10-10 10:42 · Score: 1

after all of that.
1. Re:and winner = NONE by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 18:00 · Score: 0
  
  Wrong. Those who sell the guns win no matter which side wins the war. And then there's much to rebuild, meaning someone else is getting richer.
Apple Maps? by PPH · 2012-10-10 11:11 · Score: 5, Funny

No problem. The correct location of the base will never be found.

--
Have gnu, will travel.
1. Re:Apple Maps? by jerryfrancislai · 2012-10-11 03:28 · Score: 1
  
  I found it!
Google and other map providers hide the truth..... by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 12:40 · Score: 0

Google and other map providers have obfiscated several high risk sites in the past. Perfect example: The White House. The view shown by google earth does not show any of the surface to air device, sniper cache, and other countermeasures that are known to be there (known as in documented elsewhere, and photographable with a long range commercial camera lens)
North Koreans bury everything by richardcavell · 2012-10-10 16:42 · Score: 1

North Korea has perfected the art of tunnelling, and covering up what is going on from eyes in the sky. They need not worry about satellites photographing their secret places. Is that better or worse for us? Richard
1. Re:North Koreans bury everything by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 19:31 · Score: 0
  
  No worries. US obviously has methods of scanning underground facilities using satellites with very sensitive gravitation field sensors and also by analyzing satellite images of terrain under seismic waves. I've noticed that military actions are often deferred until after there is a minor earthquake near the area of deployment. Sooner or later, an earthquake strikes the area and then you get your map.
What surprise? by PacRim+Jim · 2012-10-10 18:55 · Score: 1

It's ludicrous to think that China was unaware of this base.
Not a secret now. by Nyder · 2012-10-10 19:14 · Score: 1

Damage is done, it is not a secret anymore.

--
Be seeing you...
ultra-high-frequency long-range radar by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 19:34 · Score: 0

Sounds like an oxymoron. I would like to see the explanation of its working principle.
1. Re:ultra-high-frequency long-range radar by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-11 01:12 · Score: 0
  
  Because it's so difficult to google "UHF long range radar".
Re:Silly Taiwanese people. You DON'T request Apple by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-10 19:57 · Score: 0

You know Foxconn is actually a Taiwanese company right? Though, they employ Mainland Chinese workers? As one of Taiwan's biggest companies, I think it explains the humble attitude form the government
all these sites are listed on wikipedia by itsme · 2012-10-10 20:34 · Score: 1

did anyone notice that http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_map_images_with_missing_or_unclear_data lists all these sites, and for instance bing maps also show them unblurred?
http://binged.it/TzUX8b
http://binged.it/TzVG9k
http://binged.it/T7LC1Y
http://binged.it/T7LHmx
City of Xinjiang? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-11 02:03 · Score: 0

Gotta love 'em. Xinjiang is a state, not a city.