Two years ago, I moved to a new city for a new job. With that move came a number of other little changes. What gym should I go now to? Where should I get my groceries from in this place? How do I get to my new office using only public transport?
All those questions, Google Maps answered for me. But there was something else that I needed to find: a new dentist.
Again, I first consulted Google Maps, and I found one just a few blocks away. Great! I found their number, called them, and set an appointment for 7pm later that day. At around 6:30pm, I proceeded to walk to the clinic, again with Google Maps as my guide. But when I got to the pinned location, there was no dental clinic there. I thought, “Meh, it might just be somewhere along this small street.” So I walked down the road. It was dark, and I was in an unfamiliar place, so I was almost getting nervous. I reached the end of the road and still no sign of the clinic.
I walked back up, this time going much more slowly. I looked at every written signage, but still, no sign of any clinic. It seemed like I needed to ask around for help. I went to a nearby store and asked them if there was a dental clinic nearby. Fortunately, they knew of it, and I was directed two blocks further down the main road.
When I finally found the clinic and was sitting at the waiting area, I opened Google Maps again. This time, and for the first time, I sent in a request to edit the location of the clinic. A few hours later, the edit was live. And it was surprisingly satisfying. From then on, whenever I see errors on Google Maps, I always send in edit requests.