Recognition as a Google Local Guide

Google Maps contribution stories
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Hi there, I’m Ramkrishna Roy, a Google Local Guide of Level 7 from Kolkata, India.

We, the local guides, try to build Google Maps more accurately in order to make a seamless experience for any user. But, there is a problem with our recognition. In some areas, we are not allowed to take photos, videos, and all as we cannot show any proof that we are going to upload the content only on the maps, nowhere else.

Should Google give us any identification badge or card which can be shown on the site? It is highly needed.

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@talk2rik hola estuve leyendo varios post y vi a varios local guide que sugerían lo mismo, pero la mejor forma de comprobar que vas a colaborar en Google Maps es mostrando tu perfil del mismo.Saludos

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I also think that .

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Hello @talk2rik

Pleased to meet you here on connect. This issue of identification as a local guide is a long standing and over flogged issue on this forum. The straight and proper answer is what @Maximilianozalazar has told you. Our Google maps profile on our phones is the only identification we have to show as local guides.

We have to remember that we are volunteers and not Google employees to have an identification card from Google.

More so there are millions of local guides out there and Google may not even know most of us in person.How do you certify or give a credible ID card and support to someone you don’t know in details/in-persons.

My candid advise would be;

  • contribute voluntarily and even leisurely to the maps. Don’t stress yourself over this.
  • In carrying out your duties as a local guide, especially taking photos of places video and things respect other people’s Privacy and the organisation’s interest.
  • Ask for permission where possible and necessary. If you are refused don’t force it.
  • Approach shop owners,organisation manager,security or whoever maybe responsible for the POI. Talk to them about the benefits of proper information on the maps and even the local guides program. I have done that on some occasions.
  • Explain kindly and respectfully where necessary and apology when wrong. Don’t get into trouble as a local guide. It’s not worth the trouble.

Happy guiding

Cheers

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@dibya71 and @talk2rik

Please see

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/Your-ID-card-solution/td-p/3559026#M1337727

Cheers

Morten

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Agreed on what you wrote

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Hai @talk2rik .

My experience as Local Guides mostly agree with what @SholaIB told.

I always minimize contacting with people when I want to contribute on Google Maps, photos and video I took with my smartphone and minimizing to attract other people.

I do learn if there no taking picture sign , I follow the rules.

In my country theres common rules that some point of interest are restricly no taking picture for security reason.

If I accidently attract others people who want to know me why I take some photos, usually I deescalate by put down my smartphone and looks and walk to other direction.

If its needed to introduced my self , i introduced what Google Maps and what we do as a volunteer to make it better and accurate.

If they insist to show some Id, I just show my Local Guides profile like @Maximilianozalazar did and explain what I have contribute.

Ussually it is enough and they amaze and want to know about Local Guides and can they become a Local Guides too.

Keep on contributing on Google Maps and here on Local Guides Connect.

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