We’re happy to introduce our new Road Mapping Champion, @Lukas_B from Czechia!
Lukáš credits the TRAC campaign for sparking his interest in adding roads on Google Maps. When he first joined the initiative a few years ago, he found it a challenge, but contributing and learning side-by-side with other passionate Local Guides is what motivated him to keep going.
Today, Lukáš has added over 84,000 roads around the world: in big cities, small towns, vast deserts, green spaces, and more. It’s the variety and the knowledge that his contributions help others that inspire him to continue on this path.
Keep on reading to learn more about Lukáš and how his passion for adding roads on Google Maps has led him to all kinds of places.
Tell us a bit about your road mapping journey. Why are you passionate about adding roads on Google Maps?
It all began when I was browsing the Local Guides Connect forum and stumbled upon a post from @SholaIB and his TRAC campaign. The idea of being able to enhance Maps was really exciting, and I started adding roads right away. It was definitely a learning curve, but I learned many of the unwritten rules of drawing roads the right way.
Although I don’t know how many people I may have helped, I’d like to think that the roads I drew have helped people reach their destinations sooner or that emergency services arrived at a location faster. Time is precious these days, and saving people travel time is what fuels my passion.
Is there a personal milestone you’re particularly proud of?
I’m proud of several towns/cities that I helped complete or even mapped entirely on my own. I’ve also got to remove or edit thousands of incorrectly drawn roads in all kinds of areas. I find pride in the journey itself. Although it may be long, it’s still as rewarding now as it was in the beginning.
Do you have a favorite road contribution on Google Maps? What’s the story behind it?
One of the cities I helped map is called Nouakchott. I found this city particularly intriguing due to the sheer number of roads that are there. I spent dozens of hours and many months on this city alone, correcting or adding new roads. Most parts of it are now mapped or corrected, which makes me very happy. Visiting this place and others that I’ve contributed to is on my bucket list.
You’ve added over 84,000 roads on Google Maps! What motivates you to keep going? How do you decide where to add/edit roads?
To be frank, I am a numbers person. I do like seeing numbers go up, but the necessary motivation is created by the journey itself.
I choose my locations carefully. I need to be able to clearly see the road without trees or bridges blocking it. This has led me to draw in deserts and flatlands. I always try to add all the roads I see missing, which makes it challenging at times — in a good way!
What’s your best tip for adding or editing roads on Google Maps for someone who might be just starting to make such contributions?
Start with familiar areas and think about how your contribution may help others. Getting your first few roads approved is a rush, and even if some of them get rejected, try again! Keep it simple — don’t try to add hundreds of roads in one submission; just draw a few and submit them for review.
Anything else you want to share about yourself or your Local Guides journey?
I want to thank the TRAC campaign participants for motivating me and all the small competitions that fueled the results for all of us. It has been great contributing with all of you, and I wish you all the best on your journeys. A thank-you to the Google team as well who helped us in the last few years.
Thank you for your contribution to making navigation on Google Maps better for everyone, Lukáš!
Local Guides, do you like adding and editing roads on Google Maps? Let us know below.
Want to see who else is a Road Mapping Champion? Explore the Road Mapping Champion tag on Connect.
. You deserve it as you contribute roads to Google Maps & that helps millions to navigate & travel.
