As a firefighter knowledge of your area of operations is very key.
The best way is to study map using conventional paper maps. This has been the norm until when we discover Google earth application. Things become very easy, our response time to scene of fire improve and we know how to move around our area with ease.
With time and as technology continue to advance, we discover Google Map.
this one of the best application to me since the invention of Android.
From late 2011 till date this is the only application that I’m addicted to such that it became my friend.
I always remember one of my bosses that will tell my colleagues “if you need any direction of location, ask Sagir”; and my colleagues will come and said “Sagir, ask your friend for us please”. Meaning I should check map for them.
In the year 2016 I come to notice that if I visited some places, I will get prompt on map asking me to make some reviews of the place I visited.
In December 2016 I received a mail telling to join local guide program and help others to decide where to go.
Hurray… What a time to give back to my friend.
From that day till this minute I don’t think I ever spent a week with out contributing to the map.
Not just contributing but making sure I contribute quality information, because my contributions will help someone some where. This was my motivating factor.
Editing places and checking facts is my thing on Map, because this is the only way I will make sure that quality information is provided to the map.
When ever I attend meet ups I make sure that I call the attention of fellow guides on advantage of providing quality information.
In the spirit of that I organise many meet ups for Map Edit among which are:
Worldwide Map Edit Walk V2: Lagos
I can also say that I like and enjoy hosting meet ups, such that I travel 95 miles and 1300 km to attend/organise meet ups at Ibadan and Gombe respectively. This is to enlightens guides the essence of providing quality information to the map and how to be a good Local guide.
other meet ups are:
WW Hospital Edit Walk S2: Lagos
Hospital Edit Walk S2: Gbagada
My passion for Google map and the Local guide programme I can’t quantify it;
My friends and most people always ask me “what is your gain by contributing to map? Will you get paid? Are you not using your internet data to contribute?” and lots of similar questions.
My answer is always one. “There is no gain in humanitarian activities rather a joy of heart”
My gain is the happiness of helping someone that I don’t know to make an informed decision.
Most of importantly, Map is my best friend and will always be my best friend because she is a great companion that guides me every-time, anywhere. she is a great friend, always willing to help me without complaining.
Kind Regards
