A Southern California man has gained viral attention for his unusual hobby—using Google Maps to locate abandoned cars.
Known online as "Desert Adventures," the anonymous man uses the popular map site to locate abandoned vehicles in remote areas, particularly along mountain roads and off-road trails.
"I started looking for cars on Google Maps in 2015 and have found about 4,000 vehicles so far," he told Newsweek. "I usually look for cars on mountain roads and old off-road trails. It can be difficult, but I use three different maps, so sometimes it's easier to spot a car."
Often while searching for abandoned vehicles, the online explorer will film the process and share it on TikTok where he has more than 10,000 followers.
Viewers are often left intrigued and interested in each abandoned vehicle too, sharing suspicions and thoughts about the abandoned cars.
"Looks like it has been through a brush fire at one point," said one commenter on a recent video. While others even share requests and ideas for where the TikToker could look next.
"Would be awesome to know the story behind these vehicles one day," said another commenter.
The process doesn't end with spotting the vehicles, either. Whenever possible, he ventures out to verify the discovery in person. "I go and check all the cars in real life unless I can't make it to the vehicle. But most of the time, I fly my drone to check and make sure it's clear," he added.
What started as an interest in abandoned cars has given Desert Adventures another purpose—helping to locate missing persons. He regularly reports vehicles to authorities if they have identifying information, such as license plates. "The whole reason I do this is to search for missing people. I have yet to solve a missing persons case, but I know the time will come," he said.
Part of the appeal of his content lies in the mystery of each abandoned vehicle. "So many people like my videos because it's all a mystery. You always wonder why this vehicle is here, but your regular person will never check it. You could be driving past a car off the cliff every day and not even have a clue," he said.
Earlier this year, a woman went viral for another use for Google Maps when she used it to check out pictures of her old home.
The TikToker was heartbroken when she looked at the footage and saw a familiar face looking out of one of the downstairs windows—her first dog.
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