Rural connectivity is as important as urban. Around 65% of Indian population and 75% of Rajasthan State live in rural areas where you find it difficult to move from one place to another.
Local roads, main roads, biking trails, and even highways are not well mapped, making it difficult for residents and visitors alike to reach their destination. They also take a longer route without realising that a shorter route exists that has yet to be mapped.
I started the Connecting Rural India initiative to map such roads on maps. In a nutshell, it’s an effort to introduce a number of roads by actually going to the place (so to increase the chances of it getting accepted). People living in rural areas will benefit from Google Maps in the same way that it helps us navigate in towns. It can be extremely beneficial to emergency responders, especially at the present situation.
When it started and how it works:
Duration (first leg)- April 01, 2021 till April 14, 2021 (Earlier I planned it to happen till first week of May)
Region- Rural Areas of South Rajasthan, India.
• I chose a predominantly rural area and began driving to areas where roads were visible in the satellite image but not in the default one (the one we use for driving).
• I begin driving on the assumed road and after successfully covering it. I mark a point so as to remember adding it after I reach home.
• The next move is straightforward. I use the app to add roads, as well as pick the type of road and some additional information about it.
• And, most importantly, I can do it over and over without getting tired (though I do take a break now and then).
Future leg: I’m well-prepared in terms of the areas I’ll be covering. All I want to do now is wait for things to improve. If everything goes according to plan, the second leg will begin on May 17 or the first week of June.
Until then, remember to stay at home, be safe, and have fun guiding others.
Also, wish me luck on my second leg.
Anshuk.
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