Hello all,
I am Isuranga from Sri Lanka, a Level 7 Local Guide.
At first I like to thank @IlankovanT who introduced me Local Guides program years before and guided me to be an active local guide in my area.
From the beginning to now, I do my contribution continuously to Google maps by adding places, photos and updating exiting information.
A Local Guide
It’s become a good practice to check how the places listed on map before I travel to a new place. And the nearby places like restaurants, view points, public facilities etc. Always giving thanks to local guides who shared those information on map which helped me lot many time.
Many years back I can remember less number of people used Google Map in my area. But now, from kid to grandparents are very familiar with how to use map for their needs. Before become a local guide I’m a user of Google Maps. Wondered many times how these place are listed on map and question was who added it. When I heard about Local Guides program, I found answers for my question. Yes, it’s doing by ourselves.
Why I do contributions as a Local Guide
It’s pretty simple. On Google maps, there are so many places listed and I know now it’s not there by a magic. Most of the places are added by local guides and some are added by business owners. Since major part done by unknown person who is identified as a Local guide, my payback for his or her effort is do same contribution to map which going to be a help for other people. Addition to that, if my area map developed with all location listed with filled important information it’s going to be a big support to our busy life. As an example, if I want to buy a shoe today, I can search shoe shops nearby me and have an idea about open / close times. Or I can use phone number to ask my desired brand available or not. To get those information, first thing is particular location should be listed on Google Maps by someone or myself. I cannot wait until do it by someone else and this made me a local guide.
What I’m sharing as a Local Guide
As a local guide there are many ways to contribute and share. Adding new places, editing existing information, writing reviews and posting new photos are my general contributions. Other than these options removing duplicate listing or marking permanently closed places, reporting non related photos for places and answer questions about places are more ways to contribute. My contributions are not limited specific category because I do contribution what I can get that time about particular place. When I write a review, I’m always trying to add descriptive review including parking space, any limitation, additional services and other top facts to give clear idea for review readers.
Another way of sharing is hosting meetups and knowledge sharing with new fellows who like to join Local Guides.
Here listed recent meetups hosted by me to share knowledge and improve map.
Kite Season in Sri Lanka with Local Guides
[Recap] Kalutara Map Editing Meetup April 2019
Apart from these ways, I like to do knowledge sharing to bring more individuals as Local Guides. Every time when I visit a place and have bit time to talk with business owner or place authorities, I’m talking about their listing on map and highlight what are the improvements need to do. Also how to claim listing ownership to update time to time their self. Other than increasing my points, I’m taking time to teach them by making their own account as a Local Guide. Because I want to bring more local guides to improve local map up-to date. Then Google Maps will be more informative to all.
Another way of contributing to maps is uploading 360 degree photos of places. As a result of good contributions, recently I got selected as Google Trusted Photographer.
So, this is how I do Local Guides to build more informative map to all.
Local Guides gives opportunity to become a silent hero with tons of happiness.
