I have been keenly observing google map and earth especially the northern mountains of my country Pakistan. Over a decade ago, there were numerous un-named alpine lakes which were very small in size, let’s say 50-800 meters in length.
But every since, I see those lakes are getting names on google map. Many names are perhaps given by the place creator himself. i.e. in 2023 I visited a lake which was not named, I had to wait 7 months to finally get it named on maps, after providing references of it’s names (it’s known by two different names) and the reference included one of the most famous news media website.
But in the valley next to it appeared ‘Mashroom lake’, and Mashroom is not a local word here. Similarly, numerous small alpine lakes are being named on maps by choice of the creator of the place as those names appear to be names of persons.
An example would be the following
To reiterate my question, and from my personal experience of giving a lake a name, how are these lakes getting these random and ‘fake’ names?
I completely understand your frustration. From what I’ve learned as a contributor, this usually happens for a few reasons:
1. The ‘Data Void’ in Remote Areas: For remote regions like the northern mountains of Pakistan, Google Maps lacks official geospatial databases to cross-reference. When someone adds a fake name, the automated system has no official data to contradict it, so it often slips through. 2. Auto-Approvals and Point Farming: Some users add vanity names (naming lakes after themselves or jokes) just to get points. If their account has a high enough ‘trust score’ with the algorithm, their edits can be auto-approved, bypassing manual checks entirely. 3. Lack of Local Context: If an edit does go to manual review, it’s often checked by automated systems or reviewers who aren’t familiar with local linguistics. They don’t realize that a word like ‘Mashroom’ or a random Western name doesn’t belong in our local geography.
It’s incredibly annoying when you do things the right way and face delays. The best thing we can do to protect the map of our region is to proactively Flag these fake places as ‘Spam, fake, or offensive’ or ‘Does not exist’ when we spot them. It takes time, but it helps train the algorithm over the long run.
Lakes are elements on the base layer of Google Maps. We can’t normally edit anything on the base layer except roads via the dedicated tools and by providing documentation and present it via the Google Maps Support Community.
So, suggesting edits and getting them approved should not be possible.
It’s not possible for a Local Guide to add the name of a natural feature like lakes, or mountain peaks, @Xyan.ryil , @Manishhh , and this is clearly visible on your example, where the place has been categorised as a touristic attraction.
In case of lack of information, @Manishhh , Google will simply reject the edit.
Funny enough, that place has the same name of the person who added it, and added photos and review.
Generally speaking it should be reported for removal. But it the place do exists, following the steps provided by @MortenCopenhagen to have it added as a natural feature would be more appropriate
Following are a few lakes which I was able to identify as those are either name of a person or snack in some cases (because lake’s shape matches with that of the snack).
I do understand that with surge in tourism and exploration, a lot new lakes are being discovered at higher altitude which do not have name, additionally with global warming and melting glaciers, some new lakes are being formed. How do they get named? Does the discoverer have right to name it?
Google does not name lakes they wait for the local authorities to name it.
The second to last link you shared has a proper lake next to it: Google Maps
Try opening the link and you will see that there is no Suggest an Edit link or button.
A quick check reveals that 7 of your links are not really lakes. But they are classified as Tourist attractions. 2 are hiking areas, and there is one swimming Lake, and one historical landmark. These categories are wrong and they should be relatively easy to remove.
Please give it a try. If unsuccessful, this should be dealt with via the [Google Maps Help Community]( Google Maps Community ).