Hello, My name is Hidayt Rahman. I am from Delhi, India. I am a Local Guide since three years.
I am describing my journey as a Local Guide here.
Being a local guide is an immense pleasure. Undeniably it needs a lot of leg work and smart thinking since it is entirely a voluntary program. But my passion and zeal keep me going.
An incident took place which aroused my interest in Google Maps. I was at home, looking up new places on Google Maps and the idea to add my home location on Google Maps occurred to me. I tried to enter the location and it successfully got entered. I was happy to see my home location on google maps. After this incident, I realized that there are thousands of places that are not on Google Maps and people are hardly aware. So, from that day on I am an active Local Guide.
I love all the features that Google Maps contain. I can know about any place or I should say I can visit any place just by sitting at home by using 360° feature of google map.
Another best feature that nudges me to tap Like is that Google Maps have reviews of about almost every place no matter big or small. Before using Google Maps it was difficult to know about any places.
As a photographer, I always carry my camera along to capture new experiences and sensations. I have visited some places where the camera was not allowed and I was not aware of this and it was quite frustrating.
Local Guides edit information which they find important. So, I also began to add my experiences and new information that I would come across. For instance, things that are not allowed at a venue, etc. This gives a heads up to people to beforehand what to expect before getting anywhere.
Google Maps are handy at every step. Small queries are also entertained like, I usually ask what is the fee of visiting a place? Is it allowed to carry a camera? And getting answers very easily and quickly satisfies me that there is something which is capable of giving genuine aid and tips to people.
During my visit to certain hill stations, I have found that some tour and travel companies provide excellent services to their customers but their scope is narrow still. So, I helped them in adding important information about their work on Google Maps so that people get better travel services. I informed many people, to their surprise, that it doesn’t cost anything when one adds something on Google Maps rather it works as a helping hand for their business.
I feel proud when I attend the meetup and get the chance to know other Local Guides. Google Maps have widened my circle of friends as it is one of my hobbies to make friends. I feel proud that I am using my hobbies to help others.
Here is some memory of meetups ?
Exploring the Artworks at Lodhi Art District, New Delhi
In this short write up, I have tried to describe my journey from being an IT person to a Local Guide.
I am always willing to keep sharing my knowledge on Google Maps ?
Cheers !!!
Hidayt Rahman
