AI-Generated Map of Scottish Region Sparks Confusion and Criticism

A map generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence has caused consternation in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, after it significantly misrepresented the locations of key towns, villages, and lochs. The map, intended to highlight at-risk bus routes, was slated for presentation at a local council meeting but drew sharp criticism from constituents upon its online release.

One of the most prominent errors involved Lochearnhead, a village situated on the western shore of Loch Earn, which was depicted approximately 20 miles north of its actual location. Loch Tay was erroneously labeled as Loch Tummel, while the real Loch Tummel was placed about 25 miles southwest of Pitlochry, instead of its correct position six miles northwest of the town.

Further inaccuracies included the relocation of St Fillans, a village typically found five miles west of Comrie on the A85, to a point about 15 miles further south. Kinross was also displaced several miles from its established location on the western shore of Loch Leven. Other towns like Methven, Stanley, and Meigle were also reportedly misplaced.

Local residents expressed dismay, with one commenter noting that AI might not possess the super intelligence it is often credited with. Another questioned the difficulty of having an employee produce an accurate map, while a third quipped that the map resembled "pin the tail on the donkey" with the region's geography.

The map was part of a report concerning a review of the region's public transport, including proposals for an in-house operating model. Critics argued that such fundamental errors in mapping cast doubt on the council's ability to manage bus services effectively.

Scottish Conservative Councillor John Duff acknowledged the errors, stating, "It is unfortunate that we didn’t spot the errors on this map before it went out. However, the matter has been rectified." He added that the incident serves as a reminder "that you shouldn’t trust everything that AI tells you. We still need to read the small print and do our own fact checking."

Perth and Kinross Council confirmed that AI tools were utilized to assist in the map's visual presentation and that an updated version would be issued. A council spokesperson explained that the map was intended to illustrate broad risk areas for bus services rather than provide precise geographical detail. They stated that the boundaries on the map represented risk assessment areas, with geographical features serving only for reader orientation. The council apologized for any confusion caused by the map being printed at a lower resolution than intended.