I haven’t been with the Google Maps community for long. I used Google Maps for quite few years but only in recent years discovered the community that has a huge potential. The change came with me starting to use Google phones and Photos. It now works quite seamlessly with my Pixel 3.
I started my contribution by uploading photos to places I have been on Maps and helping with venue title translation in Chinese. I try to find local venues to learn its culture and cuisine everytime I land in a new place. Given many of my destinations are not tourist attractions, I thought my photo would give people some visual impressions and register new places on Maps. It is also a way to keep my memories fresh. Sometimes, I’d just open Maps and check the stars I saved on the globe and explore for new destinations. In recent years, Maps has been helping me navigate through Japan, Iran (offline maps), the Balkans, Romania, Georgia, Armenia, Karabakh and Cuba in my personal trips, in addition to business trips in London and the States.
Another activity I do with Maps is to help its Chinese translation. There are obvious reasons of the fact that it is difficult to use Google services in China but I’m sure there are people still trying. Therefore to improve its translation accuracy, I’d check the venue names and make sure it is translated properly to convey the message. I do hope the community here can grow bigger in the future.
Emails from Google Maps saying my photos are viewed by thousands of people around the global always surprise and delight me. I’d love to contribute more and connect with the big family from Shanghai x