Maps, Movies, and Me in Detroit

Google Maps contribution stories
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Detroit is known as the Motor City for the pioneering industry set up there by Ford, and later GM and Chevrolet.

Also, Need for Speed is a famous film series about auto racing.

With reference to this video, there is motor chasing scene, in which this frame at 2.17 appeared familiar to me.

Screen grab from video of Need for Speed
Screen grab from video of Need for Speed1600Ă—717 86.6 KB

I could easily locate it on Google Maps.
This triangular canopy is the FortPonchartrain Hotel.

Google Maps satellite view of the place
Google Maps satellite view of the place1080Ă—1336 199 KB

When the #3MChallenge by @MerlinThomas appeared, I traveled to this place yesterday.

Here is the first photo taken from the side of the canopy.

Photo from the location 1
Photo from the location 11920Ă—1446 334 KB

Hete is a closer view of the canopy with a glow in it

Closeup view of the location
Closeup view of the location1920Ă—1446 321 KB

Note the close up view of the black building in the background.
This is General Motors headquarters, that appears several times in the movie.
I visited there as well.
Here’s the summary:

How to Participate: Create a post with the following details -

  1. :camera: Movie name: Need for Speed.
  2. :round_pushpin:Detroit.
  3. :globe_showing_americas: Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dWhUTAoPALRN1TzA8

Thanks for this amazing challenge.
I will try to go there again and take more pictures this week

32 Likes
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Maps, Movies and me! Ohhh okey…
Simple post…
Thanks for sharing, dear @TusharSuradkar
All the best for your expedition…
:+1::sparkling_heart::folded_hands:

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Thank you @TravellerG

This is not my idea.

It is in response to the #3MChallenge by Merlin Thomas.

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Wow … It’s amazing to see thoses beautiful place we have only seen in a movie… @TusharSuradkar thanks for sharing an amazing post :clap:

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Amazing post, @TusharSuradkar Ji

Love how you connected the iconic “Need for Speed” scenes with real-life Detroit landmarks—especially spotting the Fort Ponchartrain Hotel and GM HQ. The side-by-side comparison with the movie still and your photos is truly impressive. Congrats to @MerlinThomas for initiating this #3MChallenge

Out of curiosity, did you find any other filming spots nearby that were also featured in the movie?

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Wow, great catch @TusharSuradkar
I think Dawn of Justice even had a scene filmed at the Detroit Public Library

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So nice pics @TusharSuradkar

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@TusharSuradkar sir this is seriously cool! :star_struck: Love how you brought the #3MChallenge to life by spotting and visiting the Fort Pontchartrain Hotel and GM HQ from Need for Speed in Detroit. So awesome to see those movie scenes in real life! Can’t wait for more photos! :camera_with_flash::racing_car:

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Woww this is amazing. Need for Speed I play on my phone but never had the chance to watch the movie. Thank you for sharing this @TusharSuradkar

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Lieber @TusharSuradkar interessante Filmansicht aus Detroit, gut fĂĽr die Challenge, nur zu welchem Ort soll der Link fĂĽhren, bei mir funktioniert er nicht.

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That I understand… dear @TusharSuradkar
Regards

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:glowing_star: Special thanks @TusharSuradkar for this thrilling contribution connecting Google Maps, film locations, and personal exploration! The “Maps, Movies, and Me” idea is not just fun—it’s a creative way to localize global experiences. :clapper_board::round_pushpin:

Your Detroit journey resonates well with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

:man_walking: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – By pinpointing cinematic landmarks and enhancing map details, you’re helping tourists and locals alike discover places of interest, promoting cultural and recreational accessibility.
:mobile_phone_with_arrow: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Highlighting industrial heritage sites like GM HQ through mapping connects history, innovation, and modern infrastructure.
:camera_with_flash: SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Engaging with community challenges like #3MChallenge builds a collaborative digital culture, showing how small contributions can create global impact.

This post proves how entertainment, travel, and mapping can intersect for education, exploration, and sustainability. Looking forward to more “reel to real” map stories from you! :world_map::movie_camera::raising_hands:

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Thanks for the generous appreciation @K.K.Sharma ji :handshake:

I wasn’t remotely aware of the broad spectrum of topics that can be supported through SDG and how local guides can support it in a fun way :partying_face:

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@TusharSuradkar Your entry really brought the Motor City to life! I had no idea Need for Speed was shot there, this makes your post even more exciting. Loved the blend of Hollywood on #3MChallenge !

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Thanks for the appreciation @MerlinThomas
I am glad you liked the post and it fit your challenge idea :smiley:

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Ăśbrigens @TusharSuradkar ich habe eben noch mal den Link zum Video getestet und erhalte die Auskunft, ist fĂĽr unser Land aus Urheberrecht gesperrt

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oops…! We never know what would be off-limits to which region @Annaelisa
It is a simple Hollywood film, but most likely the channel or content did not follow any copyrights.

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Maps, Movies and me… An innovative title to an interesting history of Detroit. It’s an amazing feeling to visit the place where a movie was filmed. Thank you for sharing @TusharSuradkar

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Thank you @Ssiddharth2000
The title is not mine, but that of a challenge by @MerlinThomas

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@TusharSuradkar congratulations :bouquet: for this brilliant sharing. No wonder you are where you are.You have a remarkable potential.wish you all the best :+1:

1 Like