Google maps has always been a reliable source of information about places since its inception - whether it is reviews of places or navigation or information about establishments or traffic information. It has provided comprehensive information in all aspects.
Maps has been spot on with most information it provided - It was surprising at first to me as a new user, but the consistency of accurate information has made most of its users develop strong faith, without any questioning over time. Such is the belief in the accuracy of Google maps. And I try to ensure this belief continues with the information I contribute to maps.
I come from a non-metro city called Rajahmundry. Being a smaller city, the presence of internet and its associated benefits started rising a little later than other bigger cities in our country. All my life I have lived in metro cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru. These cities have a big user base and finding relevant and accurate information is very easy - owing to its large contributor base. I moved to Rajahmundry when I hit 32 years of age to establish my self funded startup. I found that the information available on Google maps in this city was either too abstract or incomplete. And places which had information & reviews, the information was mostly irrelevant, with abstract quotes like “Good shop”. This is when I started actively contributing to Google maps.
Except the popular places & establishments, everything else lacked correct information. Being used to detailed information with reviews & pictures from metro cities, I found this a little strange. Ever since I came here, I started reviewing any place or establishment with appropriate ratings I believe would be relevant for most folks around here. I try my best to add information which I would expect as a user. I try to add a touch of information the way a newly moved in person from city would look for.
For example: I am a fountain pen user, and came to know about a pre-independence popular pen manufacturer here in this very town, in a conversation with my father. The pen manufacturer makes each pen with hand. I was elated and amused at the same time, learning about such an establishment. This company was recognized by Mahatma Gandhi as a vital contributor to the Independence Movement. Such a vital piece of history and heritage associated with this town! And so little information. Most of the reviews about this company were one sentenced or lacked any detailing which a history buff or fountain pen enthusiast like me would look for. I tend to provide such details in my reviews.
In addition to the more popular places, I also tend to rate and review smaller and lesser known places/establishments which I discover and let other similar minded folks discover them. Maybe an eatery serving a delicious version of a popular north Indian dish, or maybe a hangout place to sit and idle our time away on the banks of river Godavari or a very popular shop serving the best desert in this city or a small one stop hardware store which has all variety of tools. As I mentioned before, I run a self funded startup - running the company on a stringent budget. So DIY is a vital part of my professional and personal life. I keep looking for shops where I can buy things for DIY. I am sure there would be a few others like me looking for such shops as well. I tend to give such minute details, After all, It’s the fine details which matter, don’t they :-).
I know it’s a big task to cover all of this city, but I do see there are many others like me popping up, who actively add information to maps. It will surely add up to fill the voids of information. Lastly, I believe this is what makes me passionate about contributing to google maps - Detailed, relevant and accurate information.
In my opinion, these 3 qualities add to make what Google maps is today.
Cheers,
Srikanth