The journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step. Although, we have a destination in mind, but it is these steps, where we focus our energy every time. This post is about these small steps, which I am taking as a Google local guide, describing my involvement with Google Maps and why it is one of the best applications. Here, I have tried to capture some reasons, as to why I am so passionate about being a local guide and want to continue helping people and improving Google Maps. I believe that after reading this post many (new) local guides, will also try to start contributing more to the cause, which will in turn help them improve and grow as a personality.
I have been involved with updating Google Maps from the very beginning. I was 16, when I first came across this application. I was fascinated by the application and the GPS technology which it is based upon. Little did I know at that time, that it is going to be the underlying software for many other applications in the time to come. Now, after 12 years, I find that most of the service provider apps on the Play Store are using Google Maps API for their navigation purposes. Google has an advantage of a large user base, which in-turn is helping to improve its services. Through Maps, Google is facilitating many promising startups in India. Cab aggregators, food delivery and micro-mobility apps are leveraging this refined platform to grow their businesses. Every other day, newer and newer use cases are being worked upon, having Google Maps as their centerpiece.
Most of my spare time is spent on improving the maps by giving reviews, updating important information about businesses, answering questions related to places, confirming facts, and exploring new roads and places. In addition to all this, Google Maps is the first app which I open on my smartphone every day before leaving for office and in the evening, before leaving for my home. Real-time traffic updates, shortest routes, road blockages, important stops on the way, all these, within a couple of clicks. Even this is automated now with the introduction of AI based instructions (Ok Google). Personally, whenever I think travel, I think Google Maps. I hope most of you will agree to this.
My hobbies include hiking, trekking, driving, cycling, among others, and this is just the right application to support all these. I spend my free time in finding places around the city, which can be visited as a one or two-day hike/trek. My involvement has led me to connect with new people online as well as offline; who also contribute to the maps and need help with navigation. This has helped me develop a more people-friendly persona.
For me, it is not about finding the best themed restaurant or the nearest supermarket, it is more about helping people. I have always been keen on finding better ways to help people and I think this is one way of doing that. I make sure that I can help anyone, who needs finding places around them and help them with the navigation. I believe my contributions in updating maps makes people’s lives easier.
Lastly, the appreciation in the form of perks and early access to some of the new features being rolled out by Google Maps is a wonderful motivator and it makes me believe that my contributions are worth the effort. Local meetups are again a nice way to connect with like-minded people who are associated with the cause. Getting to learn new ways of contributing to the community is a great refresher and it keeps me enthusiastic. My progress as a Local Guide and all the badges earned can be accessed through my bio. I hope to keep contributing more and in better ways.
#ConnectLive2019