You may know Local Guide @MarcoDavoli as a dedicated member of the community-led TRAC initiative, who has added over 100,000 roads on Google Maps. But Marco is also the creator of the first-ever Street View imagery of the scenic National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena, “an extraordinary collection of seven islands located off the northeastern coast of Sardinia” in Italy. His story was featured in the April Local Guides newsletter, and we’re thrilled to offer our Connect community a deeper dive into the fascinating details of his mapping journey.
It was one fateful summer trip with his parents in the 1970s to Sardinia and the La Maddalena Archipelago that ignited Marco’s love for the region. Inspired by his father’s passion for history, he’s spent years exploring the historical sites, culture, and beautiful nature the area has to offer. “For me, that place has never been just a vacation destination; it’s a second home. I feel deeply connected to this land, not only on an emotional level but also through a strong sense of responsibility,” Marco shared with us.
“I joined my father in the final years of his life in his efforts to preserve the historical memory of the island. I’ve been organizing events each year, but today, technology allows me to reach more people. While I was taking groups to Forte Bastiani, I realized there was no Street View imagery of the national park’s trails. So, I decided to do it on my own. I invested in a 360 camera, a tripod, extra batteries, memory cards, and everything else I needed and started hiking.”
Marco was learning how to capture Street View images as he went along. He overcame GPS issues and camera setting challenges, learned how to make color grading adjustments and edit his shots before uploading everything to Google Maps through the Street View Studio app. “It’s a labor of love and completely worth it to make these trails accessible to everyone,” he said. And his efforts have indeed reached many — Marco’s imagery has already garnered a staggering 1,471,386 views!
When we asked Marco about his favorite trail to map, he responded without hesitation: “The Candeo trail on Caprera Island. It’s a breathtaking 45-minute walk taking you from the island’s heights down to a crystal clear bay, where you’ll often find yourself completely alone. Then, the trail ascends again to an old military fortification — this part of the Mediterranean Sea has been of strategic interest to France, England, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and others, for centuries. You can also extend the hike to the top of Caprera to Monte Tejalone with its panoramic 360° view. The trail is immersed in nature and it’s worlds away from the crowds of tourists on the main island.”
So, what future projects is Marco excited about today? “This summer, from late May to late September, I’ll be focusing on creating Street View imagery of the smaller islands of Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, and Razzoli. They’re all steeped in history, but often only known for their stunning waters. I can’t wait to share more of their stories.
“I’m also increasingly interested in elevating the quality of photography on Google Maps. I would love to see initiatives, like TRAC, extended to focus on photography, teaching quality vs. quantity and emphasizing the importance of telling a story through images. Personally, I’m not driven by points, but by the genuine appreciation I receive when recommending a dish like Pasta Filindeu at Locanda del Mirto. (By the way, Pasta Filindeu is a true Sardinian rarity, made entirely by hand, and only a few people still know how to make it!)”
If you want to see Marco in action, capturing the beauty of La Maddalena for others to discover, check out this video on the official Google Maps YouTube channel!
- Mountains
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Share your favorite natural photo you’ve added on Google Maps in the comments below!
for being featured
You are an amazing person with a noble heart. Salute to uou Master 