Having Fun as a Local Guide

What is the most interesting thing I have done as a local guide? Besides helping potential visitors and owners by reviewing places while travelling, I also love adding and editing places around my hometown.

I have enjoyed editing places in Google Maps recently. I didn’t know that I could give some improvements to the map by editing it- even very small edits like changing to a capital letter.

For some reason I am quite sensitive to typos. It just doesn’t seem right to see some places mistakenly named or when some don’t have proper capitalization. Another thing that I noticed is that in many cases this also happens with the type of place. Whether it is an accommodation, government institutions, or just some parks and beaches. I also check that the location is correct by seeing the place with the satellite view. By that, I can give suggestions for duplicate places or incorrect locations or coordinates.

The greatest impact for me so far was when my junior in university asked me to correct a village location. She is one of the project officers for a university community service program. They were planning to have community services in a very remote village in East Nusa Tenggara. She was confused about which coordinates to use to describe the village. It was an easy question for me, I remember that I added that village office in Google Maps and shared it with her. It was great to be able to help as a local guide.

However, some of my edits were not applicable. I understand the reason in some cases, but other times I do not. I guess I have to be invited to Local Guides Connect 2020 for more detailed information and an explanation to be a better local guide. Hope we meet there guys!

Another interesting thing is that using it can be like journaling my trips with Google. When I checked into a place and left a mark that can contribute to a better society, as well as, keep personal memories.

One challenge I faced in the past made me stop reviewing places and uploading photos because I heard about getting tracked by Google. Honestly, it creeped me out. Well, now I hope to receive more details about personal information that I share on Google Maps by attending Local Guide Connect 2020.

I want to keep contributing and being a good local guide in my area (Flores island) East Nusa Tenggara to help more small business and community.

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