Introduction:
Remember that amazing feeling we had last month when in the Top 100 Local Guides Spotlight, we dived into the world of Google Maps Local Guide legend @Herve_Andrieu? Well, get ready to capture that magic all over again, because it’s time for the second thrilling chapter in our “Spotlight on Top 100 Local Guides” series! If you loved peeling back the layers on what makes a top contributor tick, you’re in for another treat.
Last time, we kicked off with a true rockstar, and this month, we’re keeping that energy high by shining our dazzling spotlight on another incredible individual from the Top 100 Leaderboards: @snieckarz (Steve Nieckarz)! Steve is a master of mapping, a champion of contributions, and his insights are about to blow you away. So, without further ado, let’s zoom in on our next Local Guide hero and discover what makes Steve a standout!
The Interview:
1 - Where on Earth (country/state/city) do you call home?
My home base is Saint Paul, a midwestern city, the capital of Minnesota, USA.
2 - What do you do when you’re not rocking the Local Guides world? (Day job/profession)
Registered Nurse/work as a clinical educator for a health system in the TwinCities, the major metropolitan area in Minnesota comprised of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
3 - How and when did you dive into the Local Guides adventure?
It all started way back in 2016 when I was at a local dog park with my pups. I had read about the ability to submit photos to Maps and contributions from Local Guides. I snapped a photo of the park and added it to Maps beginning the journey to where I am today. You need to start somewhere, right?
4 - What gets you fired up about being a Local Guide?
The ability to post photos/videos and contribute to edits and additions of new places in the community.
5 - What epic message would you love to share with your fellow Local Guides?
As I mentioned above, the road to being a Local Guide Level 10 needs to start somewhere, so no better time than the present. 100,000 points is a daunting goal to reach, but when you snap the right photo for the algorithm and your photos appear at the top of searches, it makes the journey to Level 10 absolutely fun!
6 - What’s your absolute favorite type of contribution and why does it rock?
I enjoy posting standard photos and videos, but my absolute favorite is posting 360 photos. These types of photos have the ability to show places of interest to people from around the world who may never be able to experience the places themselves. Furthermore, people with impaired sight are able to use their adaptive devices on their phones/computers to see the sights in an immersive 360 experience. Here’s one example of my 360 contributions to Maps, Revolution Square and Jose Marti Monument in Havana, Cuba.
7 - Which is your favourite all time contribution and why do you like it?
My all time favorite is this 360 shoot of Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. It’s my favorite since while I was taking the shot to add to the location on Maps, my wife took a photo of me taking the photo. You can see her in the 360 photo with her phone snapping my photo 
8 - Spill the beans! What gear do you use to create your amazing media contributions?
For photos and videos I use a Pixel 7Pro. For 360 photos I use an Insta360 OneX2 camera with an assortment of selfie poles to obtain some pretty dope photos. Here’s a pic of my guiding gear:
Caption: A collage showing on the left, LG @snieckarz at work guiding at Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and on the right, his bag of “tools of the trade”.
9 - What do you like most about the Local Guides Community, Connect?
What I like most is the collegiality and respect each user in the Community has when it comes to posts and responses. It’s a great feeling when we currently have a digital world that sometimes can be pretty rough to navigate and participate in.
10 - Which particular Top 100 Local Guides Leaderboard do you like most and why? Also, are there any new Leaderboards or features that you’d like to see?
I find all of the Leaderboards fascinating as it gives me the opportunity to see who is new to the boards and to Connect and look at their contributions. I’m open to any new features and Leaderboards. Maybe boards for historical sites in individual countries or world-wide.
11 - What is your favorite holiday destination and what do you like about it?
My wife and I try to explore new destinations locally and internationally, but our annual trip to the Caribbean alternates between Aruba and Sint Maarten/St. Martin. The culture and people are absolutely beautiful. Also, I cannot forget the food and drinks!
12 - What destination in the world would you just love to one day visit?
China. An absolutely beautiful culture that would be amazing to experience firsthand.
13 - What’s a super fun fact about you that might surprise us?
In my travels I make a point to visit cemeteries and see the gravesites of people who have made a contribution to local and world culture. Here’s an example, the grave of the greatest Mexican painter of the 20th century, Diego Rivera in Mexico City.
Conclusion:
What an incredible journey into the world of another Local Guide superstar! Steve Nieckarz has given us a fascinating glimpse into his dedication and unique approach to mapping, reminding us just how much passion goes into making Google Maps an invaluable tool for everyone. We hope you’ve been as captivated and inspired by his story as we have.
And with that, we’re wrapping up another unforgettable “Spotlight on Top 100 Local Guide” feature! But don’t you dare think the fun stops here. We’re already buzzing with excitement, scouring the leaderboards for our next incredible talent. Who will be the next Top 100 Local Guide to step into the limelight and share their story? You’ll just have to mark your calendars for this time next month to find out! Until then, keep those amazing contributions coming!
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Well, not lately, however I did visit the most famous cemetery of my native country, Peru 
, known as the rest place of Peruvian heroes and former presidents 
