Google Maps Renames Lake Ontario Lake America for US Users
Google Maps now shows Lake America to US users. This replaces the name Lake Ontario.
Trump ordered the name change in an executive order. He signed it on August 27.
Google says it follows names from the US Geographic Names Information System. The change only affects US users.
Canada still sees Lake Ontario on Google Maps. Other countries see both names.
Apple Maps still uses Lake Ontario. The change comes amid trade tensions between the US and Canada.
On Saturday Canada put up a large sign. It read "Lake Ontario.
Now and Always." Trump then posted a video in response. The video showed the sign being torn down.
It was replaced with a Lake America sign. Trump then appeared dancing to the song YMCA.
Klear Note — GNIS is the U.S. system Google uses for official geographic names. Different countries may display different names for the same place.
Key Terms 2
- US Geographic Names Information System A US government list of official place names.
- executive order An official rule signed by the US president.