Fact Check: A 2,300-square-foot Waldo waits for Google Earth to find him.

Fact Check: "A 2,300-square-foot Waldo waits for Google Earth to find him."

What We Know

The claim states that a 2,300-square-foot depiction of Waldo has been created and placed on a rooftop in Vancouver, and that the artist is now waiting for Google Earth satellites to capture an image of it. This is true. The artist, Melanie Coles, constructed this large version of Waldo as part of her graduation project from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. According to NPR, Coles and her friends spent a couple of days preparing the artwork, which is intended to engage people in a modern twist on the classic "Where's Waldo?" concept by utilizing satellite imagery.

Coles expressed her hope that people would enjoy searching for Waldo using Google Earth, similar to how they would search for him in the books. She noted that the excitement of finding Waldo is akin to winning a contest, which adds to the thrill of the search (Utne).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust and comes from multiple reputable sources. NPR reported on Coles' project, confirming the size and location of the Waldo image and her intention to have it captured by Google Earth satellites (NPR). Additionally, WIRED corroborated this by detailing how Coles hopes that users will engage with the project by searching for Waldo in the satellite imagery, emphasizing that the exact timing of when Google Earth will capture the image remains uncertain.

The sources used in this fact check are credible. NPR is a well-established news organization known for its thorough reporting, and Utne is recognized for its focus on arts and culture. WIRED is also a reputable technology magazine that covers innovations and trends in the digital world. All these sources provide consistent information about the project, reinforcing the claim's validity.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that a 2,300-square-foot Waldo is waiting for Google Earth to find him is accurate, as confirmed by multiple credible sources. The project by Melanie Coles not only exists but also serves as a creative intersection of art and technology, inviting public participation in a modern search for Waldo.