Fact Check: Artist waits for Google Earth to spot her massive Waldo mural

What We Know

The claim revolves around Canadian artist Melanie Coles, who has created a large mural of the character Waldo from the popular children's book series "Where's Waldo?". This mural measures 55 feet and is located on a rooftop in Vancouver, Canada. Coles has designed the project as an interactive game where players use Google Earth to locate the mural. She has intentionally kept the exact location of the mural a secret, adding an element of challenge for those trying to find it through satellite imagery. The timing of when Google Earth will capture an image of the mural is uncertain, as it depends on when aerial imaging equipment surveys the area (Wired, Vagabondish).

Analysis

The project titled "Where on Earth is Waldo?" is a creative twist on the traditional "Where's Waldo?" concept, leveraging modern technology to engage participants in a digital scavenger hunt. Coles's approach has garnered attention, and she has expressed interest in encouraging other artists to create similar installations in different cities (Wired, Gizmodo).

The reliability of the sources discussing this project is generally high. Wired, for instance, is a well-respected publication known for its coverage of technology and culture, providing a credible account of Coles's work. Similarly, the information from Vagabondish and Gizmodo corroborates the details about the mural and its intended interactive nature (Vagabondish, Gizmodo).

However, it is essential to consider that while the project is innovative, the actual visibility of the mural on Google Earth is contingent upon external factors, such as the timing of aerial photography. This uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to the claim, as the mural may not be visible immediately or at all, depending on Google Earth's imaging schedule.

Conclusion

The claim that "Artist waits for Google Earth to spot her massive Waldo mural" is True. Melanie Coles has indeed created a large mural of Waldo in Vancouver, and she is waiting for Google Earth to capture an image of it. The project is designed to engage the public in a digital search, and while the exact timing of when the mural will be visible is uncertain, the foundational elements of the claim are accurate.