Local Guide Anshuk Mitra( @AnshukMitra ) lives inMount Abu, Rajasthan, India, and is interested in wheelchair accessibility. He wishes to improve the mobility in his country, and always shares the knowledge of adding accessibility information to Google Maps with his classmates. Anshuk believes that it costs us a minute to add such information, but it can help a lot of people.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
My interest in accessibility developed when I met my professor Dr. Deepak Rawal. Although he doesn’t have a disability[, he sparked my curiosity]. After that, I started wondering why there wasn’t a lift in our campus, or why no one cared about having it.
That interest grew when I saw a post on Local Guides Connect related to accessibility, so I started adding such contributions. This was also the theme of my first meet-up.
Why are you passionate about accessibility information being shown on Google Maps?
Whenever someone travels to a new place, they check what the place is like and how to get there on Google Maps. Adding accessibility information can help the people who really need it. They rely on Google Maps [to find out] whether the entrance has a ramp, the restaurant has low chairs or a Braille menu, and more.
What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information to/for Google Maps?
I encourage my classmates to add accessibility information about places. My motto is simple: “If you see an accessibility signboard or something, just add it to Maps.” I have hosted numerous meet-ups about accessibility in two cities, Ahmedabad and Udaipur, and plan to host more in other cities.
What area (mobility, vision, hearing, etc.) are you most interested in improving?
I am interested in improving mobility. The transport system here [in India] is poorly accessible, and you can see that in my recaps. It hardly takes a minute to capture a good picture of an accessibility feature, so why not do it and add it to the Maps?
What’s your favorite Google Maps feature?
My favorite feature is adding roads. I have often encountered areas with few roads on Maps, which used to trouble delivery people and ambulances looking to reach their destinations. The new update on adding roads has made the process more user-friendly.
What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?
Try to host accessibility meet-ups and add accessibility information. Believe me, you’ll love it, and it will become a habit.
What one feature would you like to see on Google Maps?
I want to see a photo section dedicated to accessibility. For example, on a restaurant listing on Google Maps, there are sections for Food & drink, Vibe, 360°, Videos, and more. An accessibility section would be helpful, too.
What’s your tip for finding your passion through the Local Guides program?
To find your passion [follow these steps]:
- Try every kind of contribution on Google Maps to find out which one you like most and focus on it. For example, I love to add photos, but I focus on photos of food, railways, historical places, and more.
- Be honest. Whatever you add, must belong to you.
- Search for a unique way in which you can contribute. For example, when you go to a restaurant that has lots of photos, avoid taking photos that are already on Maps. Focus on the dishes that are not there.
Are there any posts on Connect or meet-ups you’ve hosted that help demonstrate your contributions around accessibility to Local Guides, Google Maps and your community?
Yes, I have posts about accessibility: “[RECAP] Accessible Ahmedabad Metro” and “[RECAP] Accessible Udaipur WAW19.”
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I am a student of Wildlife Zoology, and I love visiting national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Also, railways are something close to my heart. Whether it is a meter gauge or a broad gauge locomotive, I capture everything.
Are you passionate about making Maps more inclusive? Tell us how you’re making a positive impact in the comments below.
