My experience with Google Maps started back in the year 2005 with my then recent discovery of Google Earth. I was amazed about being able to have a virtual tour through very different and distant places. It was striking for me to realize that some places were absent, re-located or had closed down, so the updating of the Google Maps information of different public places and shops became increasingly important as I grew reliant on GPS, geolocation and Google Maps working in unison to take me places I had never been before. I am very reliant on public transportation, so finding government buildings, restaurants and theater locations, and having a tool for routing my commute all the way through using Google Maps has been economical and empowering. In more recent times, when I use private vehicles, it has become a staple of mobile computing for me to be able to ask for the shortest/fastest way to some place of interest while on the go. With Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETA) calculated using an aggregate of data, it’s been a tool for punctuality and fuel efficiency, which in my opinion is something we all look forward to.
Caption: A photo of Tokyo’s neon shopping signs at night.(Getty Images) My latest discovery is that I could apply my local knowledge to help improve Google Maps through the Local Guides program. Ever since I became a community member I started updating business hours, contact information, correcting names and such, in order to help others have all of this information at reach, through mobile devices and the Google Maps app. I’ve found that while having physical media is something that is important in some cases, like notebooks and calendars, some other information is better accommodated by digital representation, like in a cellphone we can update map information, have GPS assist in guidance and gyroscope and compass to de-clutter our experience while on the road, where it is critical to have all the attention in what’s ahead. Physical maps aren’t all that interesting, it’s not that intuitive to use them, and also they are gradually phased out and need replacing, which is not all that eco-friendly. From the standpoint of virtual assistants and voice guidance, I think that Google Maps can help more people achieve their goals in life and improve their lifestyle.