The might of internet giant, Google, is being taken on by a Derry councillor determined to put the city on the map - literally.
Google Earth and Google Maps, which are used throughout the world, allow users to get an in-depth view of buildings and streets in major cities by zooming into an online satellite map. But, when trying to zoom in to get a better look at the streets o
f Derry, the system doesn't allow it. It's a different story with Belfast, however, where people can view streets and find routes easily by looking at the city from above.
Now, SDLP councillor, Martin Reilly, is to make a stand against the company by making an appeal to Derry City Council at a monthly meeting today (Thursday). Mr Reilly says the facility is a great resource but that coverage given to the North West is poor.
He said: "I have tabled a motion asking that Derry City Council write to Google asking that they upgrade the coverage available in the North West of the island. Images are available in far greater detail for other parts of Ireland and the United Kingdom and I hope the council will support my call for Google to take steps to upgrade the images available in the North West as soon as they can.
"More and more people are using Google Earth when choosing a place to visit, when obtaining travel directions and when choosing a place to live. For example - if you're booking a holiday, you can check how close your hotel is to the beach or other local attractions, check the facilities situated around a new home, find directions to local businesses etc., When you find the location you're looking for, you can click on the link bringing you to the website of that company or organisation."
