Well, for starters, This is my first post on connect. I came to know about the Local Guides Connect and Meet-ups very recently. All this while I was only posting the awesome pictures I took and answering the Yes/No questions when I find some free time.
So I’ll tell you how it all began. I started by adding my dad’s shop on Google Maps and further shops in the same street. Also, Google Maps would show me a nice little message that you have gained 5 points. As time passed by I got a new phone with a camera. That is where I started loving photography and posting pictures on Google Maps.
I usually use Google maps to find my way in the city. Those days, many times I’d find that a few places are not updated and/or there are no photos and information about it. So I add that place or take a snap. I felt like I’m responsible for making things easier for other Google Maps users. Sometimes it was frustrating, when I trusted Google Maps to show me the direction to a place and when I reach I find that place never exists. When I marked the place non-existing and get an approved edit, I felt like I have helped a 1000 people from coming to a wrong destination.
Finally, one fine day I got my first travel perk from Google Maps. Since I’ve been a very discontinuous contributor to Google Maps before I had been a Level 4 guide for more than a year or so. And slowly stepped into Level 5 and now at 6.
I usually take pictures on my phone and post on Google Maps. The technology kept upgrading with the quality of my pictures and also the new features that kept coming on Google Maps, making things easier and easier. First, it was taking pictures directly from the Google Maps app. Now, just selecting photos that you want to post from Google Photos. It is effortless! Just to take pictures on your smartphone, it gets backed up on Google Photos. When you come back home and open Google Maps it starts showing suggestions for posting a picture that was taken with the location tagged automatically. All I have to do is tap, tap, tap and it’s live in a few minutes. I just love it when these small steps help 1000 people. I find a few ways how it would be more helpful for the users using Google Maps. Taking pictures that show the exterior view of an address helping them identify the addresses quickest when they are on vehicles. Checking out food pictures posted by people rather than the ones marketed by the restaurant, to know the quality of food before they get in. And the accessibility features of the restaurant just by the pictures we post on Google Maps.
Knowing that my single picture, a simple yes/no answer or a review is making a difference for so many people. I started sharing everything I saw on Google Maps. Are you doing the same?
15 Likes
Well, for starters, This is my first post on connect. I came to know about the Local Guides Connect and Meet-ups very recently. All this while I was only posting the awesome pictures I took and answering the Yes/No questions when I find some free time.
So I’ll tell you how it all began. I started by adding my dad’s shop on Google Maps and further shops in the same street. Also, Google Maps would show me a nice little message that you have gained 5 points. As time passed by I got a new phone with a camera. That is where I started loving photography and posting pictures on Google Maps.
I usually use Google maps to find my way in the city. Those days, many times I’d find that a few places are not updated and/or there are no photos and information about it. So I add that place or take a snap. I felt like I’m responsible for making things easier for other Google Maps users. Sometimes it was frustrating, when I trusted Google Maps to show me the direction to a place and when I reach I find that place never exists. When I marked the place non-existing and get an approved edit, I felt like I have helped a 1000 people from coming to a wrong destination.
Finally, one fine day I got my first travel perk from Google Maps. Since I’ve been a very discontinuous contributor to Google Maps before I had been a Level 4 guide for more than a year or so. And slowly stepped into Level 5 and now at 6.
I usually take pictures on my phone and post on Google Maps. The technology kept upgrading with the quality of my pictures and also the new features that kept coming on Google Maps, making things easier and easier. First, it was taking pictures directly from the Google Maps app. Now, just selecting photos that you want to post from Google Photos. It is effortless! Just to take pictures on your smartphone, it gets backed up on Google Photos. When you come back home and open Google Maps it starts showing suggestions for posting a picture that was taken with the location tagged automatically. All I have to do is tap, tap, tap and it’s live in a few minutes. I just love it when these small steps help 1000 people. I find a few ways how it would be more helpful for the users using Google Maps. Taking pictures that show the exterior view of an address helping them identify the addresses quickest when they are on vehicles. Checking out food pictures posted by people rather than the ones marketed by the restaurant, to know the quality of food before they get in. And the accessibility features of the restaurant just by the pictures we post on Google Maps.
Knowing that my single picture, a simple yes/no answer or a review is making a difference for so many people. I started sharing everything I saw on Google Maps. Are you doing the same?
I agree. I started using maps to help out friends. plus, it was frustrating to be sent to the wrong location. I
I found I could actually change the map (something I always wanted to do). since I live in a rural area
with lots of tourists, getting accurate information about the benefits of my town used to be limited.
but now, I am finding many contributions to our local favorites! This should be a win-win situation.
thx shane
2 Likes
Hello @AbhayJatinDoshi ,
I have just released your post from the Spam Filters.
I would like to apologize for your post being marked as spam. Our filters run 24/7 and they can be a little harsh at times.
You can visit this article to learn more - Why was my Connect post marked as spam?
PS: I will merge this post with the other one which is similar.
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keep up the good work Abhay. I have also started contributing recently as Local Guide. As I continue to share, I find that I am seeing places with new eyes. Now I click photographs with care and share them knowing that someone somewhere will benefit in some way.
BTW, you didn’t really give an answer in your post to your title question: “Should I really share everything on Google Maps”. 
– Raza.
2 Likes
@Bylineraza I’d ask you to read the last line. It’s a metaphor 
1 Like
It felt really nice reading your story as I too have a similar story.
Let’s be united and share everything on Google maps so that our little steps could help others
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