Fact Check: "A 2,300-square-foot Waldo awaits discovery by Google Earth satellites."
What We Know
In April 2008, Vancouver-based artist Melanie Coles created a massive 2,300-square-foot depiction of the character Waldo from the popular children's book series. This artwork was installed on a rooftop in Vancouver, and Coles expressed her hope that Google Earth satellites would eventually capture an image of it. She stated, "I always wanted to work with Waldo... the whole point of his books is that you've won some sort of contest when you find him" (NPR). The project was designed to engage people in a modern twist on the classic "Where's Waldo?" game, encouraging viewers to search for the giant Waldo in satellite imagery.
Analysis
The claim that a 2,300-square-foot Waldo awaits discovery by Google Earth satellites is corroborated by multiple sources. NPR reported on Coles' project, detailing her efforts and the size of the artwork (NPR). Additionally, other articles from reputable sources like Utne and Wired echoed this information, confirming that the Waldo installation was indeed created and placed on a rooftop in Vancouver (Utne, Wired).
The reliability of these sources is high, as NPR is a well-established news organization known for its journalistic integrity. Utne and Wired also have strong reputations in the arts and technology sectors, respectively. The consistency across these sources reinforces the authenticity of the claim.
However, it is important to note that while the Waldo was created and placed on the rooftop, whether it has been captured by Google Earth satellites remains unverified. The nature of satellite imagery updates can vary, and there is no specific evidence provided that confirms the image has been taken since its installation.
Conclusion
The claim that "a 2,300-square-foot Waldo awaits discovery by Google Earth satellites" is True. The artwork was indeed created and placed on a rooftop in Vancouver, as confirmed by multiple credible sources. While the current status of its visibility on Google Earth is uncertain, the initial claim about its creation and intent is accurate.
