Why are google maps displayed incorrectly?

Why are creeks often displayed on Google Maps where there is no apparent creek?

• Frequently I'll notice that, in the "Map" view of Google Maps, creeks show up flowing here and there. However, when you switch to Satellite view, you'll find no such creek. Sometimes you'll see a clearing where it's entirely possible that their used to be a creek - other times, there will be no sign of water whatsoever - just buildings and roads as usual. Where is this data from and why does it display?

• Answer:

  Google doesn't really produce it's own datasets to produce google maps. They either get the information from other sources (say governments) or get google users to add content. Most likely the dataset they were using was out of date (perhaps there was once a creek there but it has now been diverted through underground tunnels as the road was built overhead). Possibly the location of the creek is slightly inaccurate or in some cases (but doesn't sound like in yours) the creek may only flow at certain times of the year, so wouldn't always be visible as a creek.