Hi, My name is Ufuk Coskunsu. I am from Turkey. I’m a university student. My field is International Relations. I like traveling and photographing. I have been using Google Maps effectively for about 5 years. I have been contributing for 2 years. This has become a hobby for me. Google maps are actually very important for both travelers and locals. People comment on any place and give the next person an idea so that people can reach places where they want to go. With local guides, people can get an idea of local food or local entertainment. For example I have used the Google Maps app in many European countries. I found places to visit more easier. I have eaten nice meals thanks to the comments. I learned what to do and where to go when I was in a country that I never knew thanks to google maps. All of this was done only through comments made by some local guides.
I’m going to talk about some of the things I like to do the most. I love to share photos of historical buildings and historical artifacts that I have never been before.I also like to take pictures of some workplaces and some small shops that I think will be of use to others.Taking pictures and sharing photos is my biggest hobby. For example, below are some pictures I took during my trip through Europe;
- I was Poland in 2017-2018 period. I was Erasmus+ student . I studied one period in Poland. I loved Poland. I went Krakow,Gdansk,Warsaw and Lodz. I also studied at Lodz.
- Gdansk is awesome. I fell in love with Gdansk. Small streets, colorful houses and good peoples.
- I went France,Belgium,Italy and Germany. My favorite was Germany.
The world with Google maps app fits into a mobile phone. People’s communication and exchange of ideas is very fast. This is the concept of globalization. What I mean is people can find anyting on internet and also can change ideas. With Google Maps people can both do with just smart phone at the same time . So I like this . I like globalization and I like being world people.
When I think about in the development of the Google Maps app and how I can get involved for being local guide, I came up with a few ideas.First, I have a good idea for small businesses. I think there should be a certain local guide group in each city and some tasks belonging to these groups should be given.For example, these local guide groups should be able to share tasks each other and after consultation with small businesses. They can add the information of this small business to google maps.An additional reward or score can be given with each contribution. A special badge can also be earned with points.My other idea is that in places where the food is sold: restaurants, bars, cafe-style places I am curious about the prices before going in advance.I think an additional feature in app can be brought for only these places. With new feature people can see the menu and prices side by side.With this feature people can think of where to go in advance. He/She can adjust his money.Thus, people can benefit more from google map.
Last but not least many local guides contributed a lot.Even the smallest contribution is very large. I strongly believe that, the platform will have a great impact and will be a necessary part of life in future generation.